A Canadian student and her service dog are behind a drive to ensure Queen's University's creates new legislation to allow students to have assistance animals in halls of residence.
Lauren Moore has a list of proposals she believes would make life better at Queen's University and one close to her heart is working out how to have service animals in student accommodation to help students with their mental health.
She said: “We - myself and Emma my service dog - are running for student welfare officer in the Student Union for Queen's University. If elected I want to look into many aspects of improving mental health and specifically having service animals in student accommodations to help students.
"I am currently in the Senior Status Law Program at Queen’s, graduating in 2023 and live with an anxiety disorder and depression so I understand the difficulties students face with their wellness journey while away at uni.
"Having already completed another degree, with a Double Major in Law and Politics, I have a lot of experience in adjusting to University life and would be happy to help students do the same in any way I can.
"With Emma by my side, I aim to ensure that every student feels heard, valued, and understood. We are more than just numbers and it is crucial that we enjoy our time at university.
"Each and every person has something amazing to offer and I know some of the difficulties people face because I have faced some myself.
"I will always consider race, sexuality, gender, age, disability and religion to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and I personally want to spread awareness and accessibility for mental health awareness and support.
"One of my specific aims if elected would be to help create new legislation within the University to allow students to have their service or assistance animals in student residence.
"This would not only cover assistance animals for students who are visually or hearing impaired, but also appeal to other types such as psychiatric service or assistance animals.
"I am currently working with a few different professionals to create a proposal to the university. As I have Emma, my registered service dog myself, I understand how important they are.
"Emma is my best friend in the whole world and with the current restrictions, we live off-campus. I have heard many stories of students who have not been able to bring them here, causing a huge detriment to their mental health."
Lauren also wants to create mental health awareness activities such as a week-long opportunity for students to meet like-minded people and take the time to relax.
During this week she wants to hold special events such as puppy therapy and all suggestions and she wants to tackle isolation and loneliness after years of Covid pushing learning to digital platforms.
Lauren also wants to verify all students are properly registered and educated on available support, specifically through disability services and ensure all students feel safer no matter where they are by giving them emergency alert buttons. These are commonly found in personal defence keychains.
Lauren said: "We have some fantastic programs that I believe are of great assistance. I think it would also be extraordinarily useful to bring the Disability Team in as a part of student on-boarding.
"With all of this in mind, should I be awarded the opportunity to represent the students at Queens, I'd pledge to ensure everyone is heard. I truly believe I understand what students are feeling with the frustrations of this pandemic world.
"With classes just going back to in-person, we have been missing out on so much. It’s time we try to get back to some sort of normal and start talking to each other again."
