College life is exciting, busy, and full of opportunities—but it can also be stressful. At 西瓜视频, students don’t have to tackle those challenges alone. With an expanded Wellness Center, a thriving Tutoring & Writing Center, and a comfort dog named Gary, the College is making sure support is always close at hand.
A Wellness Center that meets students where they are
The Wellness Center has quickly become a hub for student well-being. Under the leadership of Director Deidra Smith-Horton, LICSW, the Center offers:
- Counseling Services: Licensed counselors are available at the on-campus Counseling Center (no waiting lists, no off-campus commute). Here’s more information on making your first appointment and other FAQs.
- Peer Mentor Program: Connect with trained student mentors in the residence hall or anywhere around campus for a quick coffee or check-in. “Peer Mentors can meet anywhere on campus and often will attend events with students, too,” said Smith-Horton.
- Workshops & Events: From body positivity to stress management, these drop-in sessions are casual and welcoming
- Wellness Fair: An annual favorite featuring games, resources, and—yes—puppies!
Thanks to a recent $250,000 federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Smith-Horton is spearheading efforts to expand services, add staff, grow its outreach efforts, and host speaker series on topics such as stress management, mental health awareness, and harm reduction.
“It’s about creating a community where students can connect and feel supported,” Smith-Horton said. “We want everyone to know they have a place to turn.”
The furry face of wellness
Support at 西瓜视频 also has paws. Gary, 西瓜视频’s official comfort dog, joined the community in 2022 through Hero Pups, Inc., a nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans and first responders. Alongside Officer David Tebbetts from Public Safety, Gary now offers calm and comfort wherever he goes.
Gary’s role is simple but powerful. He can help students de-stress during finals, ease homesickness, and turn tough days around with a wag of his tail.
Best part of all? He also makes house calls! Just request a visit from Gary in advance, and he can visit students in one of our campus residence halls.
Building academic confidence at the Tutoring & Writing Center
Of course, wellness isn’t only about mental health—it’s also about academic success. That’s where the Tutoring & Writing Center comes in.
Open to all students—undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral—the Center offers free, individualized support across subjects and assignments.
Through conversational and collaborative sessions, tutors help students build confidence and skills as learners, writers, and thinkers. Students can also take advantage of a community learning space in Halle Library, where they can study and work alongside others in a supportive environment.
Scheduling a session is simple: students can book online, call 978-998-7735, or email tutor@endicott.edu. Sessions are available both in person and remotely. Learn more.