Seventy-three percent of pet owners have certified their companions as Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), also known as therapy animals. Students often wish to bring these pets into college buildings or live with them in campus housing, prompting the need for clear rules and policies to ensure the safety of the entire college community.
This expert guide aims to assist college administrators in making informed decisions regarding ESAs residing in college dormitories, thereby better supporting students who depend on these animals for their mental health.
Benefits of Having An ESA in College
Emotional support animals in college dorms can improve the well-being of their owners, as well as reduce stress and offer social support.
1) Emotional Well-Being
Studies demonstrate that cuddling a pet or Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can trigger the release of oxytocin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is known to enhance feelings of emotional well-being, offering temporary relief from mental health conditions. Additionally, oxytocin has been found to lower blood pressure and heart rates, contributing to a sense of calm among students.
2) Stress Reduction
Students living in university housing, particularly first-year students who have recently moved away from home, encounter numerous stressful situations. Emotional support animals (ESAs) in college dorms can play a crucial role in helping learners manage the pressures of student life.
Including writing assignments, giving presentations, meeting deadlines, and dealing with homesickness. These animals are believed to reduce cortisol levels in their owners, which is the body’s main stress hormone. Lower cortisol levels contribute to a more relaxed body and mind, thereby alleviating stress.
3) Social Support
Research indicates that pets, including Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), can enhance interactions with loved ones and the local community. In the context of dorm life, ESAs can boost a student’s confidence in social situations and provide support during interactions with others.
Caring for an ESA also demands focus and responsibility, which can aid college students in managing anxiety in social environments on campus. Thus, having an ESA can contribute positively to a student’s social development and overall well-being during their college experience.
Considerations Before Bringing An ESA To College
Addressing concerns about fraudulent ESA requests in college settings requires establishing clear policies that balance the needs of individuals with mental health conditions with those of the broader student community. Here’s a structured approach to developing ESA policies on university grounds:
- Policy Development: Begin by crafting comprehensive policies that outline the criteria and process for requesting ESAs on campus. Clearly define what constitutes an ESA, specify the documentation required from healthcare providers, and outline the responsibilities of students with ESAs.
- Accommodation Application Process: Implement a robust accommodation application process that considers both the needs of students requiring ESAs and the potential impacts on other students. Utilize student housing technologies like property management systems to facilitate roommate matches that account for pet allergies and preferences.
- Theme Housing Options: Consider offering theme housing options where students with similar types of ESAs can live together. This approach fosters a supportive environment where responsibilities like dog walking can be shared among residents who understand and respect each other’s needs.
- Inclusion in Housing Contracts: Incorporate ESA policies into student housing contracts alongside roommate rules and tenant responsibilities. Clearly outline expectations for cleanliness in communal areas, accommodations for students with allergies, and behavioral guidelines for ESAs.
- Education and Awareness: Educate the student community about ESA policies and encourage understanding and empathy toward those who rely on these animals for emotional support. Foster open communication to address any concerns or conflicts that may arise.
- Respect for Diversity: Acknowledge that not all students may have positive experiences with pets or understand the role of ESAs in mental health support. Promote mutual respect and consideration among students, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive campus environment.
Make Accommodation Requests Easier For Students With Support Animals
Property management software plays a crucial role in accommodating students with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) during the application process for campus housing. Here’s how it simplifies and enhances the process:
- Customized Rules and Preferences: The software allows administrators to establish specific rules and preferences tailored to each student’s needs, including those requiring ESAs. This ensures that roommate matches take into account considerations like pet allergies, lifestyle compatibility, and ESA-related accommodations.
- Accurate Housing Assignments: With detailed profiles and preferences stored in the software, administrators can accurately assign suitable housing options to prospective residents. This minimizes mismatches and ensures that students with ESAs are placed in environments conducive to their needs.
- Compliance with Policies: Property management software helps universities adhere to government policies and campus regulations regarding ESAs. It provides a structured framework for documenting and verifying ESA requests, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Digital Application Forms: By digitizing application forms, such as roommate preference requests, the software streamlines the housing application process. Students can submit their preferences electronically through platforms like Google Forms or AirTable, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and expediting administrative tasks.
- Efficiency and Convenience: Automating the application process improves efficiency for both students and administrators. It reduces paperwork, speeds up response times, and enhances overall transparency in the housing assignment process.
Incorporating property management software into the accommodation process not only facilitates seamless handling of ESA requests but also enhances the overall experience for students seeking suitable housing arrangements on campus. This approach fosters inclusivity, efficiency, and compliance with ESA accommodation policies in higher education settings.
