The College Faculty Guide to Academic Supports for College Students with Serious Mental Health Conditions

The Peer Academic Supports for Success (PASS) academic peer coaching program was developed through the collaboration of experts from the Learning and Working During the Transition to Adulthood Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at UMass Chan Medical School, in partnership with Boston University and Wright State University. This initiative is made possible by the dedication and hard work of its team members.

PASS is a research-informed, comprehensive academic peer coaching program tailored for college students with mental health conditions.

Origins of PASS

PASS was inspired by the Raiders on the Autism Spectrum Excelling (RASE) program, a successful peer coaching initiative at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. RASE was developed to support college students with autism spectrum disorder as they transitioned from high school to college.

• RASE peer coaches help students develop five essential competencies for navigating college life and academic responsibilities.
• PASS is a modified version of RASE, specifically adapted to meet the needs of college students with mental health conditions.

PASS Program Structure

PASS is a highly structured, peer-based mentoring program that provides transitional support and fosters growth in five key competency areas:

1. Structure – Developing organization, time management, and self-discipline skills.
2. Technology – Utilizing digital tools and resources for academic success.
3. Advocacy – Learning to communicate needs effectively and seek support.
4. Campus Culture – Navigating social and academic life on campus.
5. Commitment – Building motivation, resilience, and long-term academic goals.

Role of Peer Coaches:

• Peer coaches undergo specialized training and receive close supervision by a PASS Peer Coach Supervisor, a professional on campus who serves as both a mentor and role model.
• The Peer Coach Supervisor acts as a liaison between the PASS program, university faculty, campus staff, and family members to ensure a supportive and collaborative environment.

Through PASS, students gain the tools, guidance, and confidence needed to succeed in college and beyond.  

A Peer Support Approach

At Peer Academic Supports for Success (PASS), we believe in the power of peer support. This evidence-based practice is grounded in self-direction, choice, and empowerment, helping students navigate challenges and achieve success in college.

What is Peer Support? Peer support involves people with shared experiences who use their knowledge and personal insights to provide guidance, connection, and encouragement.

• Research shows that students often turn to their peers first in times of difficulty because they value and trust shared experiences and perspectives.
• Peer support plays a critical role in helping students live, learn, and work well in academic settings.

How PASS Uses Peer Support

PASS helps students with mental health conditions build connections with their peers—including their peer coaches—and discover resources and strategies for success on campus.

The Role of a Peer Coach

As a peer coach, you are not a therapist or emergency responder. Instead, you serve as:

• A mentor who shares insights from your own college experiences.
• A guide who helps students navigate academic challenges.
• A connector who provides information about campus resources.
• A supporter who fosters motivation, problem-solving, and confidence.

Your role is to be an academic mentor and coach, helping students feel empowered to take charge of their own success.

The PASS program is built on a resiliency and wellness framework, which provides a strong foundation for mental health, academic success, and personal growth.

What is Resiliency? Resiliency is the ability to face challenges and recover from adversity. A resiliency-focused approach provides students with:

• Information – Helping students understand challenges and solutions.
• Skill-building – Developing academic, social, and emotional skills for persistence.
• Support – Creating a network of guidance and encouragement.

By strengthening these areas, students learn how to overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and feel in control of their journey.

What is Wellness? Wellness is an active process of making healthy, fulfilling choices. It is more than just being free from illness—it is a dynamic state of personal growth and self-improvement.

• Wellness focuses on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• It promotes balance, self-care, and proactive strategies for success.
• It can be achieved even in the face of health challenges.

At PASS, we integrate resiliency and wellness into our peer coaching model, equipping students with the tools, confidence, and community support they need to thrive in college and beyond.