CAS Member Spotlight: The American College Health Association (ACHA)

The American College Health Association (ACHA), founded in 1920, serves as the principal leadership organization for college health professionals. Its membership spans medical care, mental health, health promotion, insurance, and pharmacy services across college and university campuses. Through professional development, research, advocacy, and extensive resources, ACHA supports higher education professionals dedicated to enhancing student well-being and success.

ACHA’s mission, to advance the health of college students and campus communities through advocacy, education, and research, aligns closely with the work of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS). Both organizations emphasize the importance of quality programs, continuous improvement, and the role of holistic well-being in student success.

Participation in CAS has strengthened ACHA’s ability to collaborate across functional areas in higher education. Through involvement in the development and refinement of standards for Health Promotion Services, Clinical Health Services, and Counseling Services, ACHA ensures that college health perspectives are well represented within the broader student affairs framework. This collaboration has helped establish shared language and expectations, strengthening connections between health professionals and campus leadership.

ACHA encourages professionals to explore CAS resources developed in collaboration with the association, including:
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• Health Promotion Services Standards
• Clinical Health Services Standards
• Counseling Services Standards

CAS standards provide critical support for ACHA members, many of whom enter higher education from clinical fields such as medicine, nursing, or public health. These standards help bridge the gap between clinical practice and the academic environment, offering a framework that enables practitioners to align their work with institutional priorities and effectively communicate their impact within Student Affairs and Academic Affairs.
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A key example of this collaboration is the Cross-Functional Framework for Advancing Health and Well-Being. This resource represents one of the first efforts to intentionally bridge siloed campus services traditionally, encouraging integrated, campus-wide approaches to student health. By promoting collaboration across departments, the framework helps institutions maximize resources and advance a more holistic approach to wellness.

ACHA continues to engage professionals through its Education Center, which offers live and recorded professional development opportunities, and through its Annual Meeting, scheduled for May 2026 in Denver. These offerings provide opportunities for connection, learning, and advancement within the field of college health.

CAS is pleased to spotlight the American College Health Association and its continued leadership in advancing student health, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and supporting holistic student success across higher education.