Passing through Jamrich on their way from class or Starbucks, students stop at the normally vacant ticket booth to grab a free cookie and pamphlet on service animal etiquette and maybe even pet Welles, NMU’s therapy and service dog sitting patiently at the corner. 

This event is the first in the pastries and pamphlets series from the Student Equity and Engagement Center. The goal of the series is to distribute educational inclusivity and diversity pamphlets to students along with treats such as cookies, cupcakes and brownies. 

Devin Ziembiec, one of the student organizers for the pastries and pamphlets event, said the topic of service animal etiquette was chosen for this years’ pamphlet to provide a more inclusive and diverse campus for students with service animals and emotional support animals.

“I was not even aware of how much information there is out there about service animals and by putting this program on, I have learned so much,” Ziembiec said. “Just this simple pamphlet can broaden your horizons so much and can go a long way. Everyone should be able to have an inclusive and safe environment.”

The pamphlet provided easy to read bullet points describing the difference between emotional support animals, therapy animals and service animals and how best to respond to them. Students who stopped by for a pamphlet and dessert were also encouraged to attend the Wild Pups therapy dogs who will be in the Lydia M. Olson Library from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today.