Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 53.85
Liaison Aimee Lemrise
Submission Date Jan. 10, 2020
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
IN-25: Innovation B

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Dawg Lounge

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:

In fall semester 2018, SIU Wellness and Health Promotion Services opened the campus "Dawg Lounge," offering several ways to help students reduce and manage stress.

The decision to open the Dawg Lounge was in response to data received from the 2017 national college health assessment where SIU students reported that stress, sleep and anxiety are the top 3 factors that negatively impact their academic performance.
Funding for the Dawg Lounge was provided/supported by Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Salukis on Your Side (the campus suicide prevention grant), and Wellness and Health Promotion Services.

Some of the relaxation features of this room include a massage chair, a soothing waterfall wall, yoga mats, meditation pillows, and adult coloring. Visitors are encouraged to not bring homework or technology, and to just visit this room in a state of being present. Located on the first floor North entrance of the student health services building, the Dawg Lounge is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. This is the one space on campus to simply rest, breathe, and relax with no agenda.

The Dawg Lounge houses:
-An open relaxation area that includes a massage chair, water features, yoga mats, meditation cushions, and occasionally DOGS!
-“Blue Space”, an ocean-themed room based on Blue mind theory;
-A “Stress Lab” - includes biofeedback and light therapy;
-A “Massage Room” – includes Massage tools, a heated massage mat and warm towels
-Koru Mindfulness classes.


Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
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A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Coordination and Planning: Collaborated with the Social Work Department, CAPS, and the Department of Rehab to provide internship opportunities through staffing the Dawg Lounge. Worked with the Rec Center to plan for the Blue Room using “Blue Mind” theory.

https://blog.news.siu.edu/check-out-fresh-check-day-dawg-lounge-and-other-ways-siu-helps-students-fight-stress-and-be-healthy-inside-and-out/

Contact information for a responsible party who can respond to questions regarding the data once it is submitted and available to the public):
Beth Morrison, MSEd., NCC, LCPC, Assistant Director SHS/Director of Wellness, STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES, P: 618/536-4441


Coordination and Planning: Collaborated with the Social Work Department, CAPS, and the Department of Rehab to provide internship opportunities through staffing the Dawg Lounge. Worked with the Rec Center to plan for the Blue Room using “Blue Mind” theory.

https://blog.news.siu.edu/check-out-fresh-check-day-dawg-lounge-and-other-ways-siu-helps-students-fight-stress-and-be-healthy-inside-and-out/

Contact information for a responsible party who can respond to questions regarding the data once it is submitted and available to the public):
Beth Morrison, MSEd., NCC, LCPC, Assistant Director SHS/Director of Wellness, STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES, P: 618/536-4441

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.