Black Mental Health Matters

Join us this week for Black Mental Health Matters, an event for Black/Black identifying students focused on the importance of mental health in ALANA communities, the impact of racism on individual mental health, as well as an opportunity to provide information and resources available at RIT’s Counseling and Psychological Services. 

MCAS and HEOP have partnered with Counseling and Psychological Services and Health Promotion to bring a series of meaningful opportunities to honor, support, and explore the mental health of our Black/Black identifying students at RIT.

Mental Health Support at RIT

Counseling and Psychological Services is aware that for many communities, there are barriers that exist related to accessing mental health services. We are committed to continuously working toward accessible, equitable, and inclusive services for our students.

We offer short-term, goal-focused individual therapy, group therapy, crisis support, and psychiatric services in an open, safe, and confidential environment.

• To schedule an appointment, contact the office at 585-475-2261 or send a secure message on the RIT Wellness Portal and select “Counseling Services – for General Questions.”
  
  
• If you are in need of support after business hours, you can call the 24-hour mental health line at 1-855-436-1245, or contact Public Safety by calling 585-475-3333 or texting 585-205-8333.

Did you know Counseling and Psychological Services has a counselor embedded at the Multicultural Center for Academic Success to support our ALANA students? You can meet with a counselor in a space that is convenient and familiar to you. If you or a friend is struggling, we hope you reach out.

Workshops and Outreach Groups

Did you know, Counseling and Psychological Services offers workshops and outreach groups throughout the semester to provide additional support to RIT students? Workshops and outreach groups are not a psychotherapy service, and instead are supportive and educational opportunities for connection.

Each week, we are sharing a financial wellness tip to help you make the connection between financial management decisions, your overall wellness, and student success. Money touches every aspect of our lives, and a lack of financial literacy can cause unnecessary stress and negatively impact our mental and physical health.

Off-Campus Housing and Financial Aid

Many students ask the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships about how living off campus can impact financial aid. Unless you are local to Rochester and decide to live at home, your RIT scholarship and federal aid will not change. Continued eligibility for institutional need-based aid is dependent on the new FAFSA each year.

It is best to file your FAFSA prior to making decisions on what you can afford - especially decisions about living on- or off-campus and meal plans. The FAFSA opens on Oct. 1 annually, and students who have already completed a FAFSA can simply choose to renew it - many of the (nonfinancial) questions will be prefilled for you. You just need to update any information that has changed since last year, including the financial questions. 

Here are some things to consider if you're thinking about living off-campus next year:

• Is there a security deposit and when is it due?
• How long is the lease for? (A lease is a binding contract and is typically for 12 months, not the length of the academic year like on-campus housing contracts)
• Are utilities (heat, gas/electric, water, cable/internet) included?
• Are there any additional fees for parking, trash or pets?
• When is rent due? (It doesn’t always align with financial aid or periods when you are not enrolled)
• Do I still need to budget for a RIT dining plan?
• What if I decide to study abroad or have a required co-op outside of the Rochester area? Can I sublet or is there a discount if for some unforeseen reason I am unable to return to RIT?

Research the answers to these questions, discuss with your family if they are assisting you financially, and be sure to fully read any lease agreements before committing with your signature. Consult with your Financial Aid counselor if you have any questions about how your housing choices will impact your financial aid.

Don’t forget to check out the Financial Literacy website, and/or follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

For additional events and event information, go to rit.edu/events.