With finals week swiftly bearing down on students, NAMI on campus, a student mental health organization at College of DuPage (COD), offered an afternoon of restoration. NAMI, which stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness, brought therapy dogs to campus on Dec. 2 to provide students with a brief mental break as final exams approach.

The visit, organized through partnerships with local therapy dogs organization Naperville Humane Society and HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response. This marked the first time COD’s NAMI club has hosted therapy animals on campus. Grey Bauer, president of NAMI, explains the goal was to give students a brief mental break while also introducing them to the organization’s mission.

“We just wanted a fun event for students to relax, have a nice time, meet a bunch of dogs and meet some new people,” Bauer said.

The dogs quickly became a magnet for students moving between classes, especially those feeling overwhelmed by upcoming exams and assignments. One of those students was first year COD student Polli Freeman, who is studying Clinical Lab Science, explains how even a short visit made a noticeable difference in their mood.

“Before I went in, I felt a little tense and mentally drained, like my brain was running nonstop,” Freeman said. “It was like I could breathe for a second. It’s nice because the dogs don’t judge you or need anything from you.”

Student’s reactions were immediate, especially among those who stumbled upon them unexpectedly between classes. Several students stopped in briefly, while others stayed to interact with the dogs. Bauer explains the reactions from students passing by.

“We had dogs in the room and then we had some out in the hallway,” Bauer said. “With students passing by, I could see their faces light up and they were like, ‘Oh my gosh, puppies!’ It was very sweet.”

That immediate sense of excitement carried over into how students managed stress afterward. Freeman describes how events like the therapy dogs visit play a larger role that many might realize in how students cope with academic pressure.

“It sounds small, but having something positive on campus really helps,” Freeman said. “A lot of students are carrying more than people realize.”

The therapy dog visit reflects the broader mission of NAMI on campus at COD. NAMI is a nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy and support. At COD, NAMI operates as a student-led club that partners with NAMI DuPage while hosting on-campus programming focused on student wellness.

“The point of NAMI on campus is to provide support for things that students might be going through at that time and we offer fun activities for students to distress,” Bauer said. “It’s a safe space.”

For some students, understanding the club’s impact comes not from regular participation, but from watching how it supports others on campus. Events like bringing in therapy dogs influences students who have only recently been introduced to its work to explore what their club is about. While this was Freeman’s first time attending a NAMI event, they understand the role the club plays at COD.

“This was my first time ever going, but I know it’s a great group and a lot of people find it supportive,” Freeman said. “Students need some time to relax since school can feel so isolating and stressful at times.”

Beyond hosting events, NAMI also plays a role in encouraging open conversations around mental health and reducing stigma. Bauer opens up about their personal experience navigating mental health struggles.

“From my personal perspective, as someone who still has their struggles with mental illness, I think the stress feels very real at the moment, but it’s not going to last forever and there’s silver linings to everything,” Bauer said. “You don’t need to be super hard on yourself.”

NAMI on campus continues to focus on building community and promoting student wellness with events like therapy dog visits. The club’s regular meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., offering students a low-pressure way to get involved. For more information on events NAMI on campus is hosting, visit their Instagram @nami_cod.

“Besides creating a safe space, I think it’s creating a community,” Bauer said. “When students come to these events, I think it gives students an opportunity to branch out of their comfort zone, especially if they’re not super social.”