Student Success Services provides stress-management options during exam week
Student Success Services at Loyalist College will provide stress-management options for students during the final week of classes. Beginning December 9, Loyalist will present Therapy Dog Days in partnership with St. John Ambulance. Therapy dogs will be on site at the Belleville campus to help students handle stress.
“Having St. John Ambulance therapy dogs on campus during the exam period may help students to reduce their stress and anxiety,” said Catherine O’Rourke, Director of Student Success. “Spending as little as five minutes with these animals can boost endorphin levels, creating health benefits and allowing students to redirect their focus and energy. We are grateful to St. John Ambulance for enabling us to provide this unique opportunity, which complements our wide range of success services.”
Loyalist Mind and Wellness Practitioner Sarah Michelle Ogden added: “We also plan to offer therapy dog sessions to students on a monthly basis starting next semester, as well as during orientation week next Fall,” noting the College will share details in the New Year.
| What: | Therapy Dog Days at Loyalist College |
| When & Where: | December 9 – 11, 2013 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Gymnasium December 12 – 13, 2013 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Residence Commons The service will be provided at no cost to students
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Loyalist has also recruited two Student Mental Health Ambassadors to create a presence on campus and make rounds throughout the College with water and healthy high-energy snacks.
“Research demonstrates that staying hydrated increases neuro-activity and helps to enhance cognitive ability,” said Catherine. “While handing out water and snacks, our ambassadors can check on students’ welfare, and if necessary, remind them of the support services available through the Student Success Centre, as well as contact information for the Good2Talk helpline.”
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers 65 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 96 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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For more information, contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Interim Director of Marketing & Communications
Loyalist College
(613) 969-1913, ext. 2536