Early in the morning and late into the evening, one team is on a mission to keep Northern Kentucky University’s campus shining.
“We have a lot of loyal members who take pride in what they do and have been here for 10-15 years,” said Chris Kalmar, the first shift supervisor of custodial services.
The squad tackles many challenges during its workday.
“We do everything on campus—cleaning floors, classrooms and everything,” Kalmar said.
The custodial crews work hard to make sure areas are clean for another day of learning.
“It’s daily proactively looking at areas of need and taking care of those places in a timely manner,” Kalmar said.
What’s most important to consider changes from time to time.
“Students are our main focus, so [cleaning] classrooms, restrooms, etc.,” Kalmar said. “Student safety is our main concern on campus, and then general maintenance of the buildings.”
Some areas offer their own obstacles when it comes to keeping them clean.
“They all have their challenges, but the more active student areas, like the Student Union, we take extra time with based on the student flow,” Kalmar said.
Getting the campus ready for a new semester creates its own challenges.
“We clean from top to bottom, starting with the air vents by making sure they are clean and dust-free, as well as the carpets with a basic sweep from top to bottom, and making sure each classroom is clean,” Kalmar said.
The custodial staff takes time to plan out each shift.
“There [are] a total of three different shifts, 15 people are on first shift, 19 on second shift. We have also contracted some of the buildings to A&O [Alpha & Omega Building Services],” Kalmar said.
There is no such thing as a “typical day” for the staff.
“It is challenging and different. It’s hard to find people to do the different areas and it can be very busy throughout the day,” said Cindy Scott, the second shift supervisor of custodial services.
Members of the custodial team have a lot of responsibilities on campus.
“I have Griffin Hall, the Science Center, Landrum, Steely Library, HPE and HIC,” Scott said.
Buildings that require special chemicals present their own challenges.
“We use the proper PPE [personal safety equipment] and disinfectants to clean the contaminated areas,” said Lead Floor Care Operator Anthony Craddock.
The staff is prepared to take on an extra area when needed.
“Each custodian usually has one floor, but also oversees an additional shift for trash and bathrooms. If they see something from an area of another shift, they will take care of it,” Scott said.
While most students value the efforts of the custodial staff, they may not understand the work that goes into everything.
“A lot of students appreciate the work we do, but don’t quite understand it,” Scott said.
There are two changes this staff would like to see in the future.
“I wish we were paid more and had more staff available,” Scott said.
It can be a challenge to stay motivated on a long shift.
“Listening to music helps me stay focused,” Craddock said.
The custodians said they take pride in keeping NKU’s classrooms, dorms and hallways clean, but they also hope students recognize the hard work they put in and make the effort to clean up after themselves.
“Just [show some] respect. They should have to pick up their trash and put it in the right place,” Scott said. “Students do come up and say, ‘thank you for what you do.’ When everyone else isn’t here, we are.”
