Columbus Students Found Relief at Annual RECESS Event
The Counseling and Consultation Service hosted therapy dogs and student resources on the South Oval.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Dogs
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The Counseling and Consultation Service held its annual RECESS event on the South Oval on October 6, 2026. The program provided students with therapy dogs, craft stations, and informational resources to help navigate midterms.
Why it matters
The event is held every October to help students manage academic pressure during midterm exams and semester fatigue. It connects attendees with critical mental health and legal resources in a low-pressure environment.
The 2026 event featured 15 therapy dogs on the South Oval to support student wellness. The program has been held annually since its inception in 2013.
The players
Counseling and Consultation Service
This department provides mental health support and resources to the university community.
Buckeye Paws
This is a therapy dog organization that partners with university events to provide animal-assisted support.
Student Legal Services
This organization offers legal advice and resources to assist students with various administrative and personal issues.
The details
The event featured interactive booths where students accessed therapy animals alongside arts and crafts stations. Various departments, including the Suicide Prevention Program and Student Legal Services, provided informational flyers, merchandise, and prizes to attendees.
Timeline
The Counseling and Consultation Service began hosting RECESS in 2013.
The 2026 event took place on October 6, 2026.
Activities ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is held annually every October.
Culture Shift
The event mirrors the broader national trend documented by the American College Health Association regarding rising student stress. University wellness programs have increasingly turned to non-traditional support methods to address growing mental health fatigue during exam periods.
Students and visitors to the South Oval were able to engage with therapy animals to alleviate academic stress during the four-hour event. The resource booths provided direct access to support services, including student legal aid and disability assistance.
The takeaway
Utilizing therapy animals during peak academic periods serves as a proven method for reducing short-term student stress. Implementing consistent wellness breaks can help maintain focus and mental health through rigorous examination schedules.
Further reading
Explore more local Dogs news and wellness events in the area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lantern.
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