First-Gen+ Center

STUDENT SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY CENTER (SSAC)

The Student Support and Advocacy Center offers support and resources to students in the following topic areas:

Survivor Support
  • SSAC provides confidential supportive services to student victims of all forms of Sexual and Interpersonal violence as well as serving as a linkage to campus and community resources.
  • If you or someone you know is in need of resources and support regarding any sexual and interpersonal violence please call 703-993-3686 or complete this form to schedule a meeting. SSAC is a confidential resource for students identifying as a survivor of Sexual and Interpersonal Violence.
Financial Well-Being:
  • Educates students about personal finances, creating a budget, managing credit, understanding financial aid options, and other financial concerns.
    • Understanding Financial Aid
    • Student Loan Repayment
    • Creating a Budget
    • Credit Management
Student Emergency Assistance Funding

This process is for emergencies or unexpected financial challenges, designed to provide temporary, short-term financial assistance. Emergency funding is a last resort for students who need it most and should not be considered part of a student’s financial planning. All federal financial aid options must be exhausted first, including having a current FAFSA on file (if eligible) AND accepting and receiving ALL offered subsidized and unsubsidized loans (if eligible). FAQ’s can be found here.

Patriot Pantry
  • The Patriot Pantry provides access to non-perishable food and hygiene items to students who are experiencing food insecurity. The Pantry is housed under the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC).
  • Student must be enrolled in at least one (1) credit during the semester term in a degree-seeking program at George Mason University (part-time or full-time and graduate or undergraduate).
  • Students must currently be experiencing food insecurity as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  • To order specific items based on your needs, you can fill out the form available on their website.
Substance Use & Recovery

Helps build a community for students facing recovery from all substance use disorders, eating disorders, or other process disorders.

  • Patriots for Recovery: Open peer to peer support group that is for Mason students who identify with being in recovery for a substance use disorder, eating disorder, or other process addictions.
  • Interested students should email recovery@gmu.edu and a representative from the Student Support and Advocacy Center will get you connected to more information.
    • Patriots for Recovery meetings are held each Thursday during the academic year from 12-1 pm Eastern time.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

AA is a “fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism”

  • Sundays 10:30 am in Engineering Hall 1108
  • You may also find other local AA meetings at aa.org.
  • Interested in creating a new recovery meeting on campus? Email recovery@gmu.edu

Request Support and Make Referrals

For more information, please visit SSAC website.