Although pets aren’t allowed on campus, students at MCCC are likely to see dogs from time to time. There are two different situations where that can occur, when a student with a specific disability has a service dog with them, or when therapy dogs are brought on campus to help students deal with stress and anxiety.
In 2016 a dog named Louie accompanied his human, graduating student Gabe Matt, to the podium to deliver the commencement address at graduation. Matt had come to MCCC after serving in the Army for 11 years. He served two tours in the Middle East and suffered multiple injuries. Louie became a regular sight on campus as Matt earned his A.S. in Engineering Science and he got to cross the stage with Matt to get his diploma.
Arlene Stinson, the Director of the Center for Inclusion, Transition, and Accessibility processes requests from students who require a service animal, based on documentation from a qualified professional, says there are usually several service dogs accompanying students.
Having service animals in the classroom is something professors say they appreciate.
Department Chair and Professor of English Sharmila Sen, who has had service animals in her classroom in the past says “If the dog helps my student, he/she is very welcome.”
English Professor Diane Rizzo echoes that sentiment saying, “I can’t think of a single instance where the animal was obtrusive or in any way disruptive to the students learning, both the student with the service animal or any other students in the class.”
Even though most students do not rely on service animals, a quick VOICE survey of 30 students found that 29 out of 30 said they enjoy and appreciate the presence of a dog on campus.
In 2018, scientists from the University of British Columbia set up a study to measure whether spending time with a therapy dog actually boosted students’ well-being.
They assessed the students’ happiness levels before and immediately after the interaction by having the participants fill out the same questionnaire twice.
The researchers concluded, “The dogs were found to have a strong immediate benefit for the students. They significantly increased happiness and energy levels and reduced stress right after the sessions.”
For students who don’t meet the requirements to have an animal but could use the company during stressful times, Mercer’s Student Government Association has it covered. Co-presidents, Ruth Anderson and Laura Ceras explain that the school brings therapy animals to campus.
Anderson said, “Before the end of the fall and spring semester, during finals, there is a heavy presence of the dogs.”
Ceras added, “There are a few [additional] events that the therapy dogs visit include ‘Destress Fest Week’ and the ‘Health and Wellness Fair.’”
Generally, the furry friends come by “when students are more stressed and in need of relaxation” said Ceras.
