Employment
Holidays
Official Campus Holiday Observances
The University recognizes 11 holidays for all employees, including:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Day (President delegated)
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
The President has delegated to each Chancellor the authority to designate the remaining four holidays to be observed on each campus. On the Springfield campus, those holidays include the day after Thanksgiving Day, the day after Christmas Day, and two "floating holidays" each fiscal year. Designated holidays are subject to change and are announced prior to the beginning of each fiscal year.
Read more about University holidays in NESSIE
View current year holiday schedule
Excused Absence with Pay/Gift Day
When Christmas falls on Tuesday through Friday, staff members will be excused with full pay for one-half day on December 24. Staff members who work in services of a continuing nature which in the judgment of the unit head cannot be suspended will be paid at their regular rates and will be given one-half day off with pay at another time. Staff members who are not scheduled to work on December 24 will be given one-half day off with pay at another time. Staff members on approved vacation or leave will not have the one-half day charged against vacation or leave. The December 24 half-day will not be granted when Christmas falls on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. Part-time staff members will receive prorated pay or time off for this one-half day based on the percent time of their appointments.
Policy on Religious Observances
Absences for the observation of religious holidays other than those referenced above may be taken by employees upon receiving approval from their supervisors to use vacation time or leave without pay.
