To faculty and staff across the University of Illinois System:

As we look ahead to fiscal year 2027, we are pleased to share that employees eligible for leave benefits will again receive three gift days during the year-end break. This year’s designated gift days are:

• Thursday, December 24
• Tuesday, December 29
• Wednesday, December 30

Since 2016, gift days have served as a heartfelt expression of our gratitude for the commitment, excellence, and care you bring to your work across the U of I System. Your contributions strengthen the entire U of I System, and we are proud to continue this tradition of appreciation.

As always, additional details — including guidance on gift day reporting and options for essential employees who are required to work on these dates — will be shared by your respective university or system office. Paid holiday time for employees in union-represented bargaining units is determined in accordance with the applicable bargaining agreements.

While gift days cannot be guaranteed each year, we are grateful to once again offer this time to support rest, rejuvenation, and time with loved ones during the year-end break.

Even though the winter season is still months away, we hope this announcement helps you plan ahead. Thank you for the talent, dedication, and innovative spirit you bring to our mission every day. Your work fuels world-class education, groundbreaking research, and exceptional service to the communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Tim Killeen, President, U of I System

Nick Jones, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs, U of I System

Marie Lynn Miranda, Chancellor, University of Illinois Chicago

Janet L. Gooch, Chancellor, University of Illinois Springfield

Charles Lee Isbell Jr., Chancellor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign