Student Support and Advocacy Services (SSAS) is part of the Dean of Students Office in the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Rhode Island. Our office serves both the University and the individual student by working in a holistic manner with students who are experiencing significant distress, life challenges, or barriers which could be interfering with their ability to be successful.
SSAS case managers can step in to assess basic needs security and assess threats/risks to self and community. SSAS case managers advocate for, assist, and work with students to provide them with or connect them to the appropriate resources, while considering what is best for them academically and personally. SSAS staff oversee the Rhody Outpost food pantry, manage the Student First Fund, provide faculty notifications following a major life event/traumatic loss, and serve as members of the ANCHOR (students of concern) and Behavior Intervention Teams. SSAS staff are a part of the URI Mental Health First Aid instructor team.
Most of our work is done privately in one-to-one meetings. Students who are going through difficult points in their journey feel comfortable opening up, as they’ve reached the point of recognizing outside support could be beneficial.
Mission & Vision
SSAS ANCHORs our students by empowering and promoting agency to enhance wellbeing. Our team collaborates and consults with students, parents, faculty, staff, and other campus partners to best address the diverse needs of each student.
SSAS advocates for a University community that actively nurtures the intellectual, social, and personal development of its student body. We aspire to create a University climate that challenges and supports students to develop the skills of critical thinking, awareness of self and others, and self-reliance.
