Winter holiday closure 2017-2018
September 13, 2017
As a cost-saving measure, each year UAF observes a winter holiday closure period.
This academic year’s winter holiday closure will be Dec. 25, 2017, through Jan. 2,
2018. Additional soft closure days may be observed Dec. 20-22, 2017, and Jan. 3-5,
2018.
Department supervisors and unit leaders determine who is required to work to maintain
UAF operations during soft closure periods. Additionally, as Jan. 3 is the first day
of Wintermester, offices that provide direct services to students should be reasonably
staffed on that day and should consult with Summer Sessions before planning closures.
Four days of the winter closure period are paid holidays: Dec. 25, Dec. 26, Jan. 1
and Jan. 2. Three days of the winter closure period are not paid holidays and are
days for which employees will need take annual leave, leave without pay, faculty time
off or a furlough day: Dec. 27, Dec. 28 and Dec. 29. Likewise, employees who choose
to participate in the soft closure will need to take annual leave, leave without pay, faculty
time off or a furlough day. While employees are encouraged to participate in the soft
closure, there may not be forced leave. Employees may choose to work even if the department
is closed during that time.
Once the business hours for a department have been determined and announced by the
supervisor, employees should coordinate with their supervisor regarding leave options
and schedules. Employees should be aware that retirement eligibility (PERS and TRS)
may be affected if leave without pay exceeds 10 days in a calendar year.
Since the university is minimally operating during the holidays, this is a good opportunity
for employees to use their leave. Doing so helps departments manage their costs because
of how leave is budgeted for. Taking leave is also an important part of balancing
our personal and professional lives, and it helps our workforce be more efficient
and creative.
If you have additional questions, please contact Human Resources at 474-7700.
-- Brad Lobland, director, Human Resources