Holidays

Refer to policy 7.17 Holidays and Extra Given Days

The university observes several paid holidays throughout the year during which all employees, except those engaged in continuous operations, will be excused from work. Nine (9) holidays always observed include the following days:

  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • The Day After Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

Each year, additional days off may be designated by the university president. These days are referred to as “extra given days.”

Access the staff holiday calendar

How does this benefit work?

 

Holiday Pay Guidelines

Employees are paid for a holiday if it falls within their pay period and they worked or were on approved paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick leave) the scheduled workday before the holiday. Additional details include:

  • Employees not scheduled to work during the holiday pay period (e.g., nine- or ten-month employees or those on leave without pay) will not receive holiday pay.
  • Employees absent without pay the day before a holiday will not be paid for it.
  • Employees on FMLA or leave without pay during a holiday will not be paid.
  • Employees on workers' compensation who use accrued leave to supplement their compensation will be paid for the holiday.
  • Employees on a 4-day, 10-hour workweek will receive 8 hours of holiday pay but must use other leave or work the remaining 2 hours in the holiday week.

Nonexempt employees eligible for overtime will receive additional compensation if required to work on a holiday. The rate is 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked on a holiday and 1 times the regular rate for hours worked on an "extra given day." This pay is in addition to regular holiday pay. The nine holidays count as "hours worked" toward the 40-hour overtime threshold.

Refer to the employee handbook for full details.

Does not apply to employees who are terminating employment or retiring: see Section 3.20.2 of the handbook.