For most of each weeknight, Maureen Dommer works as a custodian in the Physics/Geology Building. There, she and her colleagues clean bathrooms, halls and classrooms and, during school breaks. strip and wax floors.

But just a few minutes into her work day, around 5:15 p.m, Dommer heads over to Mrak Hall to take care of another job responsibility: one that's taken on a lot more notice since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. She ceremoniously lowers the American and California flags outside of Mrak, often with an audience examining her precise work.

With a partner, usually senior custodians Jose Ganal or Isabel Darby, Dommer lowers the American flag from its pole and folds it in several steps until it resembles a three-cornered hat. After taking down the California flag, the custodians take the flags inside Mrak for storage.

Dommer, who lives in Winters, worked as a housecleaner before coming to Davis about a year ago. She admittedly likes cleaning and says she keeps her home as tidy as the UC Davis classrooms she works on.

"I like the end result when it looks nice again," she said. "You see the before and after and feel like you've accomplished something."

Dommer works the 5 p.m. to 1 p.m. shift Monday to Friday. It's a schedule she doesn't mind too much because of the custodial job's financial perks, though she wishes she had more waking time to spend with husband Russell and children, Renee, 17, and Russ Jr., 16.

Has your job attracted more attention since Sept. 11?

We've had a couple of people question us. They asked why it was flown at half-staff. People also seem to notice if we do a nice job folding the flag.

Have your flag responsibilities become more important to you since the terrorist attacks?

It's always been important to me. It's our American flag. I've always been taught to respect it.

What does the American flag mean to you?

Patriotism. Being dedicated to your country.

How do you know where a flag at half-staff is supposed to fly?

There's a mark on the pole that shows specifically where it's supposed to go.

How do you lower a flag from half-staff?

You raise it up slowly to the top, pause to show respect and slowly bring it back down again.

How long did it take you to be trained on taking care of the flag properly.

Not long, probably just a couple of days.