Addressing Therapy Animals on Campus: A Summary Document

• This assignment must be completed individually.

• You must use the Harvard referencing system.

• Your work must indicate the number of words you have used. Written assignments must not exceed the specified maximum number of words. When a written assignment is marked, the excessive use of words beyond the word limit is reflected in the academic judgement of the piece of work which results in a lower mark being awarded for the piece of work (regulation 6.74).

• Assignment submissions are to be made anonymously. Do not write your name anywhere on your work.

• Write your student ID number at the top of every page.

• Where the assignment comprises more than one task, all tasks must be submitted in a single document.

Focus group meeting task: summary document

This task requires you to write a summary of a discussion issue. You were going to discuss this in a focus group, but due to unavoidable circumstances the group will not be able to meet and so you must produce an individual report of the key issues. Your report will evaluate possible changes to first year modules at ARUL summarising the issues and giving a recommendation for action.

Any suitable written format is acceptable for this assessment and you are not required to stick rigidly to an essay or report format. However, you should still observe academic conventions such as referencing, appropriate academic style, and so on.

Firstly, read the scenario and articles that have been uploaded to the VLE in the folder marked “ASSESSMENT ARTICLES.” Examine the scenario and articles, identify the issues and different possibilities for providing resolutions. You must then decide on one course of action or a solution to the issue/problem you have identified.

Your 1,000 word Summary Document should:

• Introduce the nature of the issue that is being addressed

• Outline briefly the possible solutions that could be adopted

• Examine in detail why you are not recommending at least one of the possible solutions

• Explain which solution you are recommending, and provide justifications

• Conclude your document with a summary of your main points

• Provide a list of references Points to consider

• Your document should examine and explore a range of possible solutions to the situation in the scenario and all relevant aspects.

• You should make as much use of the materials provided as appropriate and explore as many ideas and solutions as possible.

• You should try to recommend one particular solution by examining different possibilities.

• You could decide to recommend further information is gathered before a final decision is taken, but you should be clear and specific about what further information is required and to what outcomes this would lead.

• Marks will be awarded for clarity and effectiveness of your arguments

The following three possible recommendations have been identified as possible solutions to address the extent to which therapy animals can be allowed on campus:

1.The university prohibits students from bringing any animals on campus and invests in mental health support, such as counselling and student services.

2.Universities invest in animal therapy centres for students to play with animals in a designated space.

3.Students bring own animals to campus. These animals can accompany them to classes and live with the student in their home or university accommodation.