{"id":76,"date":"2024-04-12T19:02:10","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T23:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/student-support\/?page_id=76"},"modified":"2026-03-30T13:48:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:48:45","slug":"aboutus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/student-support\/aboutus\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

About Our Office<\/h1><\/div><\/div>
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Apply site-wide<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n

Student Support and Advocacy Services (SSAS) is part of the Dean of Students Office<\/a> in the Division of Student Affairs<\/a> at the University of Rhode Island<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>, manage the Student First Fund,<\/a> provide faculty notifications following a major life event\/traumatic loss<\/a>, 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve reached the point of recognizing outside support could be beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mission & Vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Meet the Team<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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SSAS in the News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Women\u2019s History Month: Jacqui Springer<\/h2>

As part of Women\u2019s History Month, we are profiling remarkable women within the Division of Student Affairs who contribute immensely to the fabric of our campus community and inspire others to push for gender equality and progress at URI and beyond. KINGSTON, R.I. \u2013 March 29, 2026 \u2013 Jacqui Springer is a first-generation college student […]<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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Rhody Outpost Awarded $3,000 Swipe Grant to Combat Food Insecurity<\/h2><\/div><\/div>
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Rhody Outpost receives a $500 donation from URI Sea Shanty Social Club<\/h2>

The University of Rhode Island\u2019s Sea Shanty Social Club (SSSC) recently turned song into support by donating $500 to Rhody Outpost, the University\u2019s basic needs pantry serving students experiencing food insecurity. Since its founding in 2020, the club has blended maritime tradition with community impact\u2014raising more than $7,700 for local and global causes through lively […]<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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SSAS Shines at the 2024 HECMA Conference<\/h2>

This summer, SSAS staff made their mark at the 2024 Higher Education Case Management Association (HECMA) Conference in St. Louis, MO. With the iconic Gateway Arch as a stunning backdrop, the conference centered around empowering students and sustaining staff in higher education. We are proud to share that Lukas Chaves and Barbara Sweeney were chosen […]<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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Mental health initiative at University of Rhode Island about keeping each other well<\/h2>

URI is the first University in the state to offer Mental Health First Aid training. When an accident happens, first aid delivered competently and quickly can mean the difference between a minor health scrape and a major one. The University of Rhode Island is applying that same approach to the mental health of its students, […]<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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URI Police Department, local forces raise money for University food pantry<\/h2>

Combined effort raises $6,000 KINGSTON, R.I.- March 27, 2018- Imagine that you are a college student who doesn\u2019t know where your next meal is coming from. Thankfully, Rhody Outpost Emergency Food Pantry is here to help URI students who are food insecure. And thanks to fundraisers similar to the one held by the University of […]<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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Rhody Outpost: Donations critically needed<\/h2>

Need doesn\u2019t take a vacation KINGSTON, R.I. \u2013 June 15, 2023 \u2013 School may be out but not for everyone. Rhody Outpost is still open to serve students at the University of Rhode Island who are experiencing basic needs insecurity. The Outpost is open all summer. During the school year, Rhody Outpost serves approximately 80 students each […]<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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\u2018No Ram Hungry\u2019 Concert Fundraiser Nov. 19 at St. Augustine\u2019s Church<\/h2>

On Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m., St. Augustine\u2019s Church, on URI\u2019s Kingston Campus, will host a concert to benefit Rhody Outpost, URI\u2019s basic needs and food pantry. The admission fee is $20, in addition to any nonperishable food item, which will be donated to Rhody Outpost. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. The \u2018No […]<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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Rhody Today: The Final View (04-24-2023)<\/h2><\/div><\/div>
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URI ceremony honors individuals for inclusive excellence<\/h2>

Dr. Jacqui Springer was awarded the Staff\/Administrative Excellence Award at the University of Rhode Island\u2019s Inclusive Excellence Awards, honoring members of the URI community who were nominated and selected for demonstrating and promoting inclusion in community leadership, academic excellence, and service at the University. The event, held in the Memorial Union Ballroom, was sponsored by […]<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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