As students head into the new semester, SEMO’s campus is filling with people as classes begin and on-campus residents settle in. Living on campus is a great way to meet new people, and in certain residence halls, you may encounter some not so traditional residents. Acting sophomore Jamie McCarty is one of many students who has brought a fuzzy-friend along with them this semester.

“It’s helped me not feel as lonely for sure,” McCarty said. “I would recommend it to anybody who is struggling with coming to college and not being with family and all their close friends as well.”

McCarty said her cat, Sparta, has bettered not only her college experience, but the exprecience of her classmates and friends.

“It’s also helped me make friends because other people who are also struggling will come and they will cuddle with Sparta and then we’ll bond as well.” McCarty said.

Sparta resides at Dobbins, a dorm located on SEMO’s River Campus, and is one of many other emotional support animals on campus. These animals reside on campus through coordination with Accessibility Services.

In addition to the emotional support animals residing on campus, pet friendly housing is also available. Myers Hall, SEMO’s pet friendly housing community, is home to 204 students as well as dogs, cats, snakes, and many other small pets.

There are many different people and stories that make up SEMO’s residential life, and the inclusion of four-legged friends continues to leave a positive impact on the students residing on campus.