First-Gen+ Center

Category: Uncategorized

2023 Immigration Action Week

2023 Immigration Action Week
October 24 – 31, 2023

Immigration Action Week serves as an opportunity to learn more about the issues impacting immigrant-origin students and to address some of these challenges through various programs and educational efforts. Joining many other institutions and organizations nationwide, the First-Gen+ Center advocates for accessible immigration pathways and raises awareness about the current immigration crisis and legislative climate that hinders the success and well-being of our students.

Lastly, the First-Gen+ Centers aims to foster a greater sense of community, encouragement, and belonging by promoting resources, services, and support available for undocumented and refugee students to uplift the students’ lived experiences. Together, we’ll ensure every Mason student can achieve their dreams, regardless of immigration status.

Tuesday, Oct. 24
Refugee Documentary Watch & Learn with Popcorn Bar
4:00PM-5:00PM
SUB I, Suite 2400 (MPR)
Mason360 Link: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2250759

Wednesday, Oct. 25
8th Annual I Stand with Immigrants Day of Action
Fall Festival and T-Shirt Giveaway
11:00AM-2:00PM
SUB I Quad
Mason360 Link: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2250760

Friday, Oct. 27
UndocuAlly Training
10:00AM-1:00PM
Merten Hall 1201
Mason360 Link: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2137670

Monday, Oct. 30
VASA & Scholarships for Undocumented and Refugee Students
6:00PM-7:15PM
Zoom
Register here: https://gmu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYldOirpz0jHt1SLo5MAXaCsffvtWmLSJ_4
High school and prospective students are welcomed and encouraged to attend!

Tuesday, Oct. 31
#DefendDACA Social Media Campaign
On Instagram @masonfgpc
Please join us in promoting awareness about DACA and advocating how the program is beneficial to our economy, society, and workforce.

 

Join us for 2024 First-Gen Week!

Join the First-Gen+ Center from Nov. 4th – Nov. 8th for First-Gen Week. We will be celebrating, centering, and empowering our first-generation Patriots!

We have a host of events celebrating our first-generation college students here at Mason. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to all events as we center the narratives and experiences of our students through open discussion, community building, and meaningful engagement.

Calendar of Events:

  • First-Gen+ Center Kickoff Event/T-Shirt Giveaway – Mon, Nov. 4th – 11AM-2PM – SUB 1 Quad Register here. 
  • First-Gen and Contemporary Student Snack and Chat – Host: Contemporary Student Services – Mon, Nov. 4th – 4PM-6PM – The HUB 1012 | CSS Lounge Register here. 
  • First-Gen Week Faculty/Staff Mixer – Wed, Nov. 6th – 11:30AM – 1:30PM – JC, 239A, Marion Deshmukh Seminar Room 
  • Costello College of Business – First-Gen Student Reception & Panel – Wed, Nov 6th – 3-4:30pm – Merten 1204 Register here. 
  • CAPS Tabling – CAPS welcomes first- gen students to drop by our table for resources and giveaways! – Thur, Nov. 7th – Patriot Lounge 
  • Special Juvenile Visa & Immigration Pathways for Undocumented Students – Thurs, Nov. 7th – 10:30 – 11:30AM – Merten 1202 
  • 1:1 Consultation with Immigration Attorney for Immigrant Students – Thurs, Nov. 7th -11:30AM – 3:00PM – Merten 2500
  • Stearns Center Faculty Workshop – Supporting First-Gen College Students – Thur, Nov. 7th – 1-2PM – Zoom Register here. 
  • First-Gen Friday – Fri, Nov. 8th – Represent your first-gen pride by wearing your first-gen t-shirt on campus! 
  • First-Gen First Year Students Networking Dinner with Faculty and Staff – Host: New Student & Family Programs – Fri, Nov. 8th – 5:30PM – 7:30 PM – SUB l 3A – Register here. 
  • First Gen Escape Room Trip! (open to first year students) – Host: New Student & Family Programs – Fri, Nov. 8th – 7:30PM – 10:30 PM – Cost $5 – More info here. – Register and pay for ticket here. (Cost covers your transportation to/from the Escape Room and entry into one of the rooms.) 

2023 UndocuMonth

 

Please join us in celebrating UndocuMonth, happening now in April!

UndocuMonth is an annual tradition at Mason created and led by UndocuMason, a Registered Student Organization. UndocuMonth is dedicated to elevate and enhance the organization’s mission: To create an inclusive environment for undocumented immigrants through education and advocacy; and to promote The University’s mission – to build Mason into a world-class model of inclusive academic excellence.

History:

The history of UndocuMonth can be traced back to the efforts of undocumented youth activists who have been advocating for the rights of undocumented immigrants in the US since the early 2000s. In 2013, a group of undocumented students and allies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) organized the first-ever Undocumented Student Week of Action, which aimed to raise awareness about the issues faced by undocumented students on college campuses. UndocuMonth is an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights in the US and a celebration of the resilience and strength of undocumented immigrants and their allies.

At Mason, a student organization, Mason Dreamers (now UndocuMason), started a week-long celebration to promote awareness about the challenges impacting the Undocumented community in efforts to provide safe spaces, equitable opportunities, and positive learning experiences at The University’s campus. In collaboration with the First-Gen+ Center and other RSO’s, we are excited to host various programs that raise awareness and celebrates the undocumented and refugee community at Mason. These events includes annual signature programs such as the 12th Annual Immigration Monologues; a safe space for members of the undocumented and immigrant community to share their lived experiences and ways that they empower other peers under similar circumstances, as well as, a space for allies to learn more as advocates.

Programming:

4/3 | Brush and Boba
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: SUB 1 Room 3B
Sponsoring Organization(s): UndocuMason

4/3 | Fireside Chat on Asylum, Title 42, and Refugee Sponsorship
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Location: Horizon 2008
Sponsoring Organization(s): No Lost Generation
Registration Link: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2090771 

4/11 | “No Human is Illegal” T-Shirk Kiosk
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: JC Kiosk F
Sponsoring Organization(s): UndocuMason

4/12 | Panda Express Fundraiser
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Panda Express in Merten Hall (be sure to make sure to mention “fundraiser for UndocuMason” at the register)
Sponsoring Organization(s): UndocuMason

4/13 | Undocumented and Unrecognized
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Horizon 3225
Sponsoring Organization(s): UndocuMason, Native American & Indigenous Alliance (NAIA)

4/14 | 12th Annual Immigration Monologues
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: HUB Ball Room
Sponsoring Organization(s): UndocuMason, No Lost Generation, First-Gen+ Center
*Registration Required: http://go.gmu.edu/ImmigrationMonologue

4/18 | UndocuAlly Training (in-person)
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: JC Bistro
Sponsoring Organization(s): UndocuMason, First Gen+ Center
*Registration Required: https://firstgen.gmu.edu/trainings/

4/19 | Fireside Chat on Title 42 and Refugee Private Sponsorship
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Location: Horizon 2008
Sponsoring Organization(s): No Lost Generation
Registration: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2090771

4/25 | UndocuMason Community Dinner
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: HUB Ballroom
Sponsoring Organization(s): UndocuMason
Registration Required: https://mason360.gmu.edu/event_details?uid=99516c820b6f6a6a0db15464329f82ec

4/29 | Undocumented and Refugee Student Success Summit
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Johnson Center Bistro
Sponsoring Organization(s): First Gen+ Office, UndocuMason, No Lost Generation
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023
*Registration Required: https://go.gmu.edu/StudentSuccessSummit

Prospective Students Outreach Series

  1. Thursday, April 6
  2. Monday, April 10
  3. Monday, April 27
  4. Wednesday, May 10

Sponsoring Organization(s): UndocuMason, the Águilas Mentoring Program, the Mariposas Mentoring Program

Apply Now! Undocumented Scholars Award

The First Gen Next Gen Scholarship, made possible by the First Gen Next Gen Fund, was established in 2016 through student advocacy and a consortium of donors in order to provide educational programming, scholarships, and emergency assistance to students whose immigration status might otherwise hinder them from accessing higher education.

As we continue to increase efforts for outreach and support of students at Mason who are undocumented or are protected by DACA or TPS, we have learned that we are not reaching enough students through our current methods of email, word of mouth, and social media.

In hopes to increase our reach and our target audience clear, we renamed the scholarship to the Undocumented Scholars Award!

====

Eligibility: Current degree-seeking Mason student who identifies as undocumented, or has protected statuses such as DACA, TPS, or have asylum status pending.

Application open from Mar. 15 – May 31 

Submit your application on the Mason Academic Works website:  go.gmu.edu/UndocumentedScholars 

  1. Complete the General Application
  2. Complete the “Undocumented  Scholars Award” application

If you have any questions about the application or your eligibility, contact us at [email protected] 

Mason Receives First-Gen Forward Designation

Lex Lewis-Semien (she/her)
Assistant Director, Student Access and Equity
Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment
[email protected]

Deana Waintraub Staffor
Associate Director,
Center for First-generation Student Success
[email protected]

George Mason University Receives First-gen Forward Designation;
National Honor for Commitment to First-generation Student Success

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (March 1st, 2021) – The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, recently announced the 2021-22 First-gen Forward cohort. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the Center’s research and resources.

At George Mason University, first-generation students are defined as students whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have a highest level of education from a community college; did not complete a bachelor’s degree; or completed a degree outside of the United States. As of Fall 2020, Mason reported that 20% of all first-time freshmen and 26% of all undergraduate degree-seeking students were first-generation college students. 78% of first-gen students enrolled in Fall 2020 were attending full-time. First-generation college students face various barriers when trying to excel both academically and socially. Mason works to eliminate these additional barriers and foster first-generation student success through intentional programming and catered support. This support includes:

  • Early Identification Program: George Mason University’s college preparatory program for first-generation students in collaboration with local schools.
  • Student Transition Empowerment Program: Mason’s Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment’s (CCEE) initiative created to enhance the recruitment, engagement, and retention of first-generation college students accepted to George Mason University.
  • First-Generation Peer Mentoring Program: CCEE’s mentoring program to support first-generation student success.
  • First-Generation Student Task Force: Task force led by Mason Faculty/Staff who were first-generation students themselves.

“The Center is so pleased to welcome George Mason University into the 2021-22 First-gen Forward cohort. Through the application process, it was evident that Mason is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success.

Dr. Creston Lynch, assistant vice president for University Life at Mason said, “We, at Mason, are excited to be in this First-gen Forward cohort because it not only further positions our faculty and staff to continue their amazing and comprehensive work in support of first-generation students, but it also aligns directly with the Mason University Life vision that “every student succeeds” during and after their time here.”

As a First-gen Forward Institution, interested faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop slated for early-June and will participate in monthly phone calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation.

“First-gen Forward is an exciting opportunity for George Mason University to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country. We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the First-gen Forward cohort and know Mason will be a significant contributor,” offered Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA.

To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.

NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Its work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories. Visit naspa.org for more information.

The Center for First-generation Student Success is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. Through four strategic priority areas, the Center drives higher education innovation and advocacy for first-generation student success.

Click HERE to download a copy of the press release.

In Response to SCOTUS Decision on DACA

June 18, 2020

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision to uphold the decision to maintain DeferredbAction for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides work permits and protection from deportation for close to 700,000 DACA recipients in the United States. We are very happy about this decision and acknowledge that even in times of difficulty and tremendous change in the United States, it is also important to recognize the wave of positive decisions and actions that can happen when the voices of a community are heard.

DACA has opened up educational pathways for our students and for many others across the country through access to admissions, in-state tuition, and financial resources. DACA recipients at George Mason University contribute to and shape our campus culture and identity. This decision from the Supreme Court will continue to grant access to higher education for some of the best and brightest students in the United States.

We want to take this time to communicate First-Gen+ Center’s strong and continuous support for our DACA recipients and their families. We will work with DACA recipients to continue to connect them with legal service providers on and off-campus, mental and physical health services, and other support services to support their success at Mason. Below are resources for students and also for YOU to learn more about how you can help!

You are also welcomed to reach out to learn more by emailing Dr. Amber Holton-Thomas, Director of First-Gen+ Center ([email protected]).

===========

Financial Support:

  • Emergency Fund
  • First Gen Next Gen Fund Scholarship – For more information email [email protected]

Emotional Support:

Peer Support:

  • Connect with UndocuMason, the primary collective of students who support and advocate for students who are undocumented, DACAmented, and who have TPS and their families.

Legal Support:

What else can you do as a person who holds citizenship in the United States?

  • Review policies or procedures in your department that might have additional barriers for undocumented or DACAmented students – if you change something, let us know! Email Dr. Amber Holton-Thomas ([email protected]) who serves as the Chair for the Undocumented Student Task Force at Mason
  • Educate yourself! Sign up for UndocuAlly Training sessions offered during the academic year.

To the DACA students, faculty, and staff, know that you have the full support of our department. We remain as supportive as ever of DACA recipients and other immigrants learning and working in our community, and remain committed to enabling the continued success of DACA recipients and to securing permanent relief for these aspiring Americans.