More Than Just a Building: Inside the Kehr Union Building

As you walk into the Kehr Union Building, also known as the KUB, there is always something going on. Students come together with friends, get things to eat, attend meetings, or just to find somewhere quiet. The sound of students coming and going make the building feel different than a classroom building. The KUB is a place where students can spend their free time, attend events, meet new people and find help when needed. Behind all of the business, staff members come together and try to set up as many activities as they can to make it feel like a welcoming place.

Picture of entrance

For one KUB staff member, working in the KUB means more than simply having a job. Sitting behind the desk, the employee appeared relaxed and welcoming students with a smile and spoke in a calm friendly tone, giving the impression that students could come up to him and ask for help. "I really enjoy working here because it allows me to help the college community," the staff member explained. This help can be especially important for new incoming students. The staff member tries to make new students feel at home while reminding them to not skip classes and complete work on time. "A couple of years ago, I had nervous student come in struggling with the transition to college. The student did not know how to balance classes and schoolwork while also trying to make time to find new friends. I assured them that everything will be alright and encourage them to improve their time management by creating a schedule," the staff member calmly stated.

Desk inside of second floor

Helping students feel more connected to the community the staff member informs new students about all the activities such as the bingo event, Jenga tournament, room decor, or billiards tournament. As students arrive to the event, they rarely see the preparation happening behind the scenes. The staff member describes by preparing the room by arranging tables and chairs, checking equipment, and making sure all necessary supplies are ready. The work does not stop here, "during the event I welcome students, answer questions, and make sure everything stays organized," the staff member recalled. While students get to enjoy the well-planned event, the staff members work behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Throughout the day, students come and go. Some come for the events, meet friends, or come to get food. While students might not witness everything that goes on the staff members constantly work to keep the KUB organized and welcoming. The staff members organize the events, answer students, welcome students, and handle unexpected changes. The KUB may be made up of hallways, meeting spaces, offices and lounges, but the people inside are what make it an important part of the campus. For a student nervous about college or not knowing where they belong, the Kehr Union can be more than a building, it can be a place that makes Bloomsburg feel more like home.