In 2023, Rowan University experienced a remarkable collaboration between career-focused initiatives and the heartwarming presence of animals, all thanks to the Schreiber Family Pet Therapy Program. The program played a vital role during Rowan’s Career Fairs by bringing smiles, reducing stress, and ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for students and staff alike.

Career Services would like to express our gratitude for their exceptional work, let us look back at how the Schreiber Family Pet Therapy Program transformed our career-related events and anticipate their strong partnership in future endeavors.

The anxiety that comes with attending career fairs is not a new phenomenon. Students often experience the pressure of interviews, the stress of networking, and sometimes even panic attacks. The presence of the therapy animals from the Schreiber Family Pet Therapy Program created a soothing environment, granting students a much-needed reprieve from the intensity of the situation.

By offering immediate support for students suffering panic attacks or those simply in search of companionship during these events, the Schreiber Family Pet Therapy Program significantly enhanced the overall ambience. As students engaged with potential employers and navigated through various professional opportunities, these therapy animals served as a consistent source of reassurance.

Furthermore, staff members reaped similar benefits from this unique arrangement. Connecting with potential candidates presents its own set of challenges for university staff and recruiters. Exposure to these delightful companions eased the tension and facilitated smoother conversations between employers and prospective employees.

In light of such great success in harnessing animal-assisted emotional support during career events, we are thrilled to announce that Rowan University will host the National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. This highly-anticipated event will feature workshops, roundtable discussions on therapy dogs’ impact on mental health and wellbeing, and insightful sessions led by esteemed thought leaders in the field of animal-assisted therapy. More information can be found on Rowan’s website under the Wellness Center’s Pet Therapy Program.

Once again, Career Services would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Schreiber Family Pet Therapy Program for their unwavering support during our 2023 career-related programming. We are eager to continue this partnership and explore innovative ways to enhance our campus environment by incorporating pet therapy in future events. In doing so, we hope to promote a positive experience for all involved, paving the way for meaningful connections and opportunities for our students and staff alike.

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