KU Pub-goers have longer Friday hours and updates to look forward to, according to Doug Lemaster, associate director of KU and catering services.

With new, extended hours from 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays starting Sept. 10, students 21 and up have the chance to keep Pub nights alive. In recent years, The Pub used to close at 7 p.m.

"We installed a new counter, floor, and the beer dispenser will continue serving beer in pitchers this fall," Lemaster said.

In addition to Friday nights, The Pub is available for rental every Monday through Thursday from 8:30 p.m. to midnight, as well as Saturdays and Sundays this semester.

For those renting The Pub on weekends, the main food court will be closed, but Barrett Dining Hall in KU will be available from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. if students would like to eat a meal or get snacks. All rental fees are $30 per hour.

"[These fees] help with the cost of bartenders, supervision and clean up of the area," Lemaster said.

Those wanting to rent The Pub should contact Melissa Clark at melissa.clark@notes.udayton.edu or 229-2266.

Though The Pub will remain open every Friday except through midterm break and holidays, Lemaster said students need to stay involved. He said The Pub was losing visitors throughout the first semester last year, so the decision to close was made.

"That's when alumni became involved in a 'Save The Pub' campaign, and many [students] took it up as a cause," he said. "We reopened, serving pitchers of beer, and the place was packed."

According to Lemaster, KU does not view The Pub as a source of revenue, but rather as a place for people to socialize.

"KU really doesn't have the staff or budget designated to a lot of promotion, marketing and entertainment," he said. "I would love for student groups to become more involved and will be happy to discuss ways to make The Pub a better place."

The following activity ideas have been submitted by students: "Trivia Night," "UD Organization Night" and "Sports Watch Night." In addition to students' input, Lemaster came up with an idea for an "Open Mic Night" event. He said these are the type of events he hopes to see happen and said students are encouraged to reach out at any time.

"I don't know if any of these ideas will work, but I would definitely need student involvement to help organize them," he said.

Though The Pub currently remains open, students who attend need to stay active, LeMaster said.

"The Pub is there for the students," he said. "But the future of The Pub is up to them."