Each semester, the University Libraries partner with various campus groups to provide snacks and stress-relieving activities for students during the last week of classes and finals. Along with extended hours, Mullins Library hosted study breaks that included various refreshments— especially coffee—and a few other wellness activities such as Legos and book-themed ornament making. See below for a list of the campus departments and organizations that participated!
To wrap up the fall 2022 semester in an extra special way, the Libraries partnered with the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing to provide time with the school’s therapy dogs, Bella and Gryffin. The furry friends were escorted by Allison Scott and Michele Kilmer, both assistant professors in the nursing school.
“Animal-assisted therapy is much more than petting a dog,” Kilmer said. “Bella and Gryffin are trained to reduce stress and increase confidence while instilling a sense of calm in the person with whom they are interacting. They are the perfect therapy for anyone who misses their pets at home. They love to play, give hugs and high-fives, and just have a great time all around!”
Bella is a one-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever who works with Scott to complete research focusing on the use of therapy dogs in the treatment of anxiety among students. Gryffin is a one-year-old black lab assisting Kilmer with her work and service to the autism community in the Northwest Arkansas region. You can learn more about Bella and Gryffin by visiting their Instagram pages.
Full list of participating campus organizations and departments:
Academic Integrity
Associated Student Government
Counseling and Psychological Services
College of Engineering
Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
Fulbright College
Global Campus
Greek Life
Honors College
New Student and Family Programs
Razorbook Club
University Housing
University Recreation
Writing Studio
