Announcing the first Heard on the Hill Office Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday at the Union

Posted by Matt Erickson

February 8, 2013 at 9:49 a.m.

You know, when I started writing about KU, I was enchanted by the idea of getting back on the campus. In my mind, I'd be strolling down Jayhawk Boulevard again, calculating in my head how long it would take me to walk from Budig Hall down to the Kansas Union, pretending I was back in college. (Students: When you're not in college anymore, you're going to want to pretend you're back in college.)

And sure, I'm no stranger to campus these days. But, you see, I've got all this "work" that occupies a lot of my time: writing stories, firing off phone calls and emails, crafting these blog entries that you follow so very devotedly.

So I end up spending most of my time cooped up in the Journal-World's News Center. It's a lovely building, but it does not allow me to soak in that campus feeling. And more importantly, you are not here.

Hence, an announcement: Next week I'll be holding my first-ever Heard on the Hill Office Hours on the KU campus. From 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, my "office" will be the Media Crossroads at the Kansas Union. That's the room just to your right when you come in the main entrance on the fourth floor, near Alderson Auditorium, with one bright green wall. I'll be there with my laptop and perhaps a cup of coffee.

Yes, it will give me an excuse to come to campus. But the real point is that you, a person on campus, can come talk to me. Whether you're a student, staffer or faculty member, please come tell me what stories you think I should be telling, what you didn't like about my article last week or what else is on your mind. Or ask me anything you want.

Cal Butcher, the Media Crossroads director, has kindly offered up the space for me to use Wednesday morning. I like to think this fits nicely into the School of Journalism's goal with that space: to help people tell stories. I may continue to have Heard on the Hill Office Hours there every week or two, or I may rotate times and spots on campus so everyone who wants to can make it.

But for this to work, I need you to come see me. Please come say "Hi."

And if you want to come by but that time and place doesn't work, let me know at merickson@ljworld.com. And, as always, send your KU news tips that way, as well. (Or, better yet: Come tell me in person on Wednesday.)