By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – University of Nebraska at Kearney students will have 24-hour access to the Nebraskan Student Union starting this fall.
Students, staff and faculty will have electronic access to the student union after 11 p.m. when the building closes.
“This will provide students with a safe social setting and destination for studying after hours, even after the library is closed, and where they can connect socially with other students,” said Dean of Student Affairs Gilbert Hinga. “Sometimes students like to study elsewhere other than their room in the residence hall. Students have requested a space like this for a long time and it is exciting to see this available to them.”
In February, the student government administered a survey to determine what improvements students wished to see in the student union. The student-initiated survey found that 95 percent of students supported 24-hour access.
“With the 24/7 access, we’re offering more opportunities for students to make informal connections with others on campus, which is a crucial part of student learning and development,” Hinga said. “As students make connections with others, it leads to a sense of belonging and a sense of family – which is crucial to retention.”
After hours services available to students will include wireless printing.
“We are also planning to introduce more social events at the union so that students have access to other programming that will provide opportunities for social connection and learning,” Hinga said.
Students, staff and faculty will be able to enter the union after hours through the north and south doors using their UNK ID cards. Only the west side of the union will be open after 11 p.m., said Lee McQueen, director of facilities. A gate on the east side of the welcome desk will close off the rest of the union.
Security cameras will also be installed in the union.
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Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
Source: Gilbert Hinga, 308.865.8528, hingag2@unk.edu
