Skip to main content

South Bend Campus

South Bend Main Campus Elkhart

Tech the Facility Therapy Dog

Tech the facility therapy dog

Meet Tech, the South Bend-Elkhart campus facility therapy dog, here to support student well-being and create a welcoming, positive atmosphere across campus. Tech works with trained staff to help reduce stress, anxiety, and test-related pressure, providing comfort during high-stress times like exams and transitions. By promoting emotional regulation and focus, Tech enhances the overall learning environment, especially in classrooms and study spaces.

In addition to academic support, Tech plays a key role in mental health by offering a nonjudgmental presence that encourages connection and fosters a sense of belonging. Tech is especially helpful for students experiencing anxiety or social barriers, including first-generation students, and contributes to a compassionate, supportive campus culture.

You can find Tech in South Bend as well as at the Elkhart County location, roaming the halls with his trusty handler, Evan, still learning the ropes of being a facility therapy dog. Being that Tech is still a pup, his training is not complete and he isn't working full-time just yet. During his training, he will be on campus some days while our temporary facility therapy dog, Goldie, will fill in for him when he is in his off-campus training sessions.  

 

Interested in scheduling a one-on-one session with a Facility Therapy Dog? 

Contact: 

Evan Wigley
Assistant Director, Student Life & Development
ewigley@ivytech.edu
 
Please note that session availability is currently limited as Tech is still being trained.

Facility Therapy Dog Program – FAQs

Absolutely — Tech loves meeting new people! He’s still in training, so to help him stay focused and feel comfortable, we encourage a few best practices:1. Feel free to ask before petting. His handler will let you know if it’s a good time.
2. Let Tech come to you. Giving him a moment to approach helps build trust and confidence.
3. Use a calm, gentle approach. A soft voice and relaxed energy go a long way in making every interaction positive.

Yes! Tech makes regular appearances at student events, wellness pop-ups, and high-stress times like midterms and finals. Keep an eye on Student Life announcements and social media to see where he’ll be next.

A one-on-one session with a facility therapy dog here at Ivy Tech is an interactive experience for you and the dog to have a private space for emotional and academic support.  Just 10 minutes of interaction can significantly lower cortisol levels and reduce physiological stress markers, especially during high-pressure periods like midterms or finals.