MISHAWAKA- This semester, Bethel is trying a new way of helping students relieve stress. Some professors were asked to bring their dogs to campus on Thursdays from 3:30- 4:30 p.m. so that students can pet and interact with the dogs.
This is not the first time pets have been instrumental in bringing relief to stressed Bethel students. During finals week, dogs and sometimes other animals like kittens or piglets have been brought in to help students relieve some of their stress by spending time with animals. According to Rachel Kennedy, the director of the Center for Academic Success, petting animals helps to lower blood pressure and relieve stress in students. Since there was so much success with the dogs during finals week, they decided to make it be a weekly event.
Four professors are rotating weeks to bring their dogs and spend an hour in or outside of the Student Media Center, allowing students to come to spend time with the dogs. All students are invited to come and take advantage of this opportunity.