Ruff Day, a new student initiative, is looking to bring more pets to campus to combat mental health problems and the general loneliness that students sometimes feel living on a college campus.
The organization will make their first appearance at the University of Connecticut’s Fresh Check Day, held on April 23 from noon to 4 p.m.
Fresh Check Day is a mental health initiative and the signature event of the Jordan Porco Foundation. Porco committed suicide as a college freshman, and in response his family began the nonprofit to help other students in need and to reduce the stigma about mental illnesses. Fresh Check Days take place throughout the Northeast and are expanding nationwide.
The Fresh Check Day will serve as a pilot test for Ruff Day. If student feedback is positive and expansive, the organization will look to make more appearances at campus events.
Kaitlyn Allen, a sixth-semester psychology major and criminal justice minor, began the club about a month ago. She has noticed that students love seeing pets on campus, whether they are service animals, visitors or pet therapy dogs. She wanted students to have a chance to get together and meet new cuddly friends.
Claire Tremont's Writing 