Colorado college tests out pilot program allowing pets in campus dorms
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (back-to-school, that is) and a few lucky college students in Colorado are bringing their pets along for the (scholarly) ride.
Lawrenson Hall at the University of Northern Colorado is now home to one of the first pilot projects of its kind; one that will allow students to bring their best furry friends to live with them in the dorms.
Right now, the program is limited to just 16 rooms on two floors while the new program is tested out. Students have to put in a special application to get a spot on the pet-friendly floors, which are limited to pets weighing 40 pounds or less. The university has also added a designated outdoor space for doggies to do their business.
Both students and administrators at UNC are excited to be a part of the new initiative.
Brad Shade, Director of Housing Services at the university feels the program is a great way to recruit a different type of student to live on campus and acknowledges the therapeutic benefits a beloved pet can bring to the sometimes difficult transition to college life.
New student Terry Lou is equally enthusiastic about the program — she brought her cat with her to Lawrenson Hall. Lou is confident that dorm life will be a great experience for her and her feline friend and believes it would be a worthwhile adventure for others students, too. She thinks that once other students get a glimpse of the program, they’ll want to join in as well.
Campus officials hope make more floors pet-friendly if all goes according to plan.
[Source: CBS News Denver]
