Get with the (FITA) Program: A Service to Help At-Risk Students (Practice Brief)

The transition to postsecondary education can be challenging for any student, particularly for those facing impending personal crises, mental disorders, or with undiagnosed disabilities. The link between mental health and academic performance has been well established. Both work in tandem to predict important areas of concern for colleges and universities: student wellness, retention, and graduation rates. Postsecondary administrators have been increasingly called upon to address the surge of demand from students for help. The following practice brief examines a combined mental health program that addresses both student mental health and academic performance aimed at maximizing students' potential for personal and academic flourishing. Results of this program, as well as challenges and suggestions for transferability, will also be reviewed.