The end of the semester can be a stressful time for students. With finals and project due dates on the horizon, stress levels tend to rise to an all-time high.

“College is different than it was 20 years ago with the intense stress and pressure put on students,” Dr. Sarah Barber, clinical associate professor in the communication sciences and disorders department, said.

“I talked to students to learn just how stressful school had become, and the responses were overwhelming.”

Barber found stress levels to be abnormally high among students during the pandemic, meaning mental health concerns would need extra accommodation.

MCHHS Mental Health Initiative

After learning about the harmful stress levels students were feeling, faculty in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) knew something needed to be done.

They created a mental health initiative.

By engaging in events aimed at improving mental health, MCHHS faculty hope students learn the importance of maintaining good mental health.

Pups relieving stress

After learning about the mental health initiative, Barber was approached by students with the idea of a unique stress relief tactic: bringing rescue dogs to campus before finals week.

By combining her love for students and dogs, Barber was able to create the first annual Pet-A-Pup event.

“We have partnered with Rescue One, a local animal rescue, who will bring over a few dogs from their shelter for our students to play with for the day,” Barber said.

The event will take place 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Dec. 9 in McQueary Hall.

While playing with the rescue dogs who are currently up for adoption, students will also be able to engage in some community service.

During the event, there will also be a donation drive benefiting Rescue One.

Some items you may donate include:

• Dog food.
• Cat food.
• Kitty litter.
• Toys.

Barber believes the combination of playing with puppies and engaging in community service will help students prepare for finals week.

“We hope this event will show our students just how important their mental health is to us and just how serious we take their mental health.”

Learn more about the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department