Dogs, massages offer break from finals

12/07/2021 

Wagging tails, wet noses and an array of calming activities again will help SUNY Cortland students escape final exams week stress.

“Paws for Stress Relief,” a 14-year tradition that brings dogs and other anxiety-reducing events to the university’s campus, makes its return Monday, Dec. 13, and Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the Student Life Center’s three-court gym from noon to 4 p.m.

“Paws for Stress Relief” will feature the following:

• Relax with dogs
• Free massages
• Chair reiki (on Tuesday)
• Arts and crafts
• Refreshments

Organizers in the Paws for Stress Relief Committee encourage everyone in the campus community to “mask your face, not your stress,” when entering the SLC for this event. Classified staff are allowed 45 minutes of release time to take part with supervisor approval.

All participants must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the center.

Those who can’t get away from their studies are encouraged to bust their stress by visiting Memorial Library’s Paws for Stress Relief Online Guide, where a virtual pet display will offer visual therapy as well as other suggestions for learning how to chill down. Nervous exam takers are encouraged to like and follow @CortlandPAWS on Instagram to get all the cute pet and animal photos and videos cycling through their Instagram feed.

Sponsors this semester include the Vice President for Student Affairs’ Office, a Cortland Auxiliary Services grant and Cortland Auxiliary Services Dining.