The U has added two days of paid leave to support staff during December 2021, based on a decision by the Council of Presidents (Utah System of Higher Education). In addition to previously announced closure days (Dec. 27 and 30) and holidays (Dec. 24 and 31), Dec. 28 and 29 have been named as Winter Break leave days.

This additional leave time is not applicable to University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics staff or to faculty who are on contracts and will not be instructing during these dates. The university’s full holiday calendar is posted here.

According to Jeff Herring, the U’s chief human resource officer, employees are encouraged to use the time “to focus on well-being.” Employees are also encouraged to follow public health guidelines during the break.

“While health care employees will maintain a regular holiday schedule to ensure consistency of care, their hard work and commitment to patient care will continue to be recognized through other methods,” said Sarah Sherer, chief human resources officer for U of U Health Hospitals and Clinics.

Graduate medical education trainees (residents and fellows) fall under the U of U Health Hospitals and Clinics guidance above. Other fellows (e.g., postdoc, research, etc.) are eligible for the additional leave time.

Staff on the U’s academic campus and the academic staff at U of U Health will receive up to 16 hours of Administrative Leave with Pay (ALP) for the two Winter Break days. ALP must be entered into Kronos by the employee’s supervisor. The number of ALP hours an employee receives will be prorated by FTE and based on hours they are regularly scheduled to work on the Winter Break days. Faculty and employees in administrative positions at director level and above will track the time in their departments.

Mandatory employees in positions still required to report to work on those days (Dec. 28-29) may use the ALP hours on subsequent dates under specific conditions. Specific questions about staffing should be addressed by supervisors.

For additional information on timekeeping for the two Winter Break days, click here.