photo[1]During finals week at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, students are busy preparing for exams, projects, and starting their careers after graduating on May 18. The combination of stress and excitement surrounding the end of the academic year leaves students looking for opportunities to unwind and relax.

The Office of Student Services and the Animal Friends Rescue Project (AFRP) in Pacific Grove recently collaborated to bring foster dogs to the Monterey Institute campus for that very purpose. On Thursday, May 9th, Student Services hosted the on-campus “Puppy” Room, taking part in a national trend happening at schools across the country. The AFRP brought nine dogs to campus for a two-hour period to help students relax and de-stress.

Animal therapy is a growing trend at many academic institutions as studies have shown the positive benefits to interacting with four-legged friends range from stress relief to improved concentration. Megan Joyce, Assistant Director for Student Life Activities, organized the event and said, “We had a great response from students for the event; it gave people an opportunity to do something fun and get away from finals stress for a few moments.”

The volunteers from the AFRP, including MIIS student Kayla Gilchrest, commented that this is their most successful event to date! Over 150 students came to the Holland Center to play, hug, and visit with the dogs. Student response to the dogs was positive with comments ranging from a relieved “thank you,” to “this is great!”

The “Puppy” Room was the finale to a week of stress reduction events organized for students by Student Services and the Student Council that included free massages, coffee in the library, and a stretching and relaxation workshop.