UNIST and Silla University have jointly announced a strategic partnership to implement an innovative animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program on their respective campuses. The formal agreement was signed on June 25 at UNIST, in a ceremony attended by prominent representatives, including Director Dooyoung Jung of the Healthcare Center and Professor Il Kwon Bae of Silla University.
This collaboration seeks to bolster student mental health and well-being through scientifically supported therapeutic approaches. Both institutions will work collaboratively to develop, operate, and evaluate campus-based AAT programs, providing practical training opportunities, fostering interdisciplinary mental health initiatives, and engaging in joint research and academic exchanges.
UNIST Healthcare Center is the nation’s only university facility integrating psychiatry, psychological counseling, nursing, and pharmacy into a comprehensive mental health support system. The center has successfully operated an animal-assisted therapy program featuring “Bree,” a therapy dog, which has contributed to a scientifically grounded emotional care model that alleviates stress and promotes emotional stability among students and staff.
The program has garnered positive feedback, with many participants reporting improved emotional resilience, reduced stress levels, and positive impacts on academic performance and social interactions.
Both universities are committed to ensuring the program’s sustainability and enhancing its professional quality through ongoing research, clinical evaluation, and evidence-based practices. The initiative aims to provide personalized emotional support tailored to individual student needs, fostering a healthier campus environment.
During the meeting, they discussed UNIST’s AAT program and other mental health initiatives by both institutions.
Director Dooyoung Jung stated, “Animal-assisted therapy is a highly effective method for emotional recovery. At UNIST, we are dedicated to integrating healing practices into our scientific and engineering-focused campus to support our community’s mental health.”
Professor Il Kwon Bae from Silla University emphasized, “The collaboration between Silla University’s specialized training in animal-assisted therapy and UNIST’s practical application will create a seamless bridge between academic expertise and real-world impact, advancing the field of mental health support.”
Silla University, a pioneer in South Korea’s pet industry education, operates the country’s first Department of Companion Animal Studies, with graduate programs at both master’s and doctoral levels. Starting in 2026, the department will expand into the Division of Companion Animal Health and Science, focusing on veterinary health, animal behavior, and animal-assisted therapy—aimed at cultivating professionals who can lead the pet industry and related fields.
Globally, leading universities such as Harvard University have incorporated animal-assisted therapy into their mental health support systems. Harvard’s “Countway Cuddles” program, for example, has demonstrated significant success in reducing student stress and anxiety through interactions with therapy animals. These initiatives underscore the growing recognition of animal-assisted therapy as a vital component of mental health care in higher education.
