OCU currently houses the most emotional support animals in the school’s history.
A nationwide policy requires universities to allow students to keep emotional support animals in their living space if recommended by a mental health professional.
“Two years ago, the policy made national news, and then we saw a huge increase in emotional support animals on campus,” said Kevin Culbertson, coordinator of housing operations. “I don’t think students were aware of the policy before that, but now they know it’s an option.”
At OCU, students must present their doctor’s recommendation to Jenny Minsberg, disability services coordinator, along with the paperwork about their animal. If Minsberg approves the paperwork, students meet with housing officials to figure out logistics.
“This summer I went to therapy for depression and anxiety, and, after meeting with her through the summer, we both agreed it would help me immensely to have my dog,” said Madelaine Heigele, vocal performance junior.
“I had to fill out information as to why I believe I should have a dog and how it could help my condition. Then, my therapist had to write a letter for her stating how it could help me as well. Jenny is so kind and kept in touch with me after everything was in and then that was that.”
Minsberg approved 17 emotional support animals this semester, as well as five service dogs, which include seeing-eye dogs for blind students, as well as dogs that indicate seizures and those that help with balance, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and anxiety.
The campus animal policy reads: “the University may, at its discretion, require any person who enters the campus with a pet to remove the animal from the campus grounds.”
To avoid this removal, students with approved animals must keep their animal within permitted boundaries.
Service dogs may accompany students anywhere on campus, including inside buildings. Emotional support animals, however, must stay inside except to go to the restroom. When inside, students must keep the animal in their private room, away from any shared spaces like the living room of a quad.
If Minsberg approves an animal request, the student meets with housing to discuss their living situation. The policy technically allows animals in any residence hall, but housing officials prefer to put animals in United Methodist Hall or a Cokesbury Court Apartment because those rooms are more isolated.
Walker Hall uses a recycled air system, making it possible for someone to have an allergic reaction to an animal on a separate floor, Culbertson said.
Culbertson emails students’ roommates to get their approval before allowing an animal to live with anyone. If the roommates have an issue or are allergic to the animal, housing works with Minsberg to find a solution.
Usually, housing tries to find new housing for the student with the animal, but sometimes, the roommate volunteers to move instead, Culbertson said.
Emotional support animals each receive an ESA tag to wear that identifies them to campus officials. Their owners also receive a ESA magnet to stick to their door, preventing students or facilities staff from entering their room and suffering an allergic reaction. Minsberg orders customized magnets and tags to ensure their exclusive use by approved animals.
“We haven’t heard any complaints about any of the animals, aside from maybe picking up after them outside, but that has gotten better this year,” Culbertson said.
“We’re talking about putting dog waste bins strategically around campus, not to promote pets (these are not pets), but to acknowledge the presence of emotional support animals and help out the students that have them.”
Students only own dogs or cats on campus currently, but the list of possible animals includes ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and boa constrictors.
Abigail Padgett, nursing senior, said her emotional support animal helps her every day.
“I’ve had my cat, Minute Maid, for six years, and his personality just compliments mine,” she said. “He’s a consistent source of comfort and support and acts as a distraction when I need it the most.”
“I just know that when I come home, he’ll be there, and I’ll give him treats, and he’ll love me. Follow his Instagram account @justaminute_maid.”
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