Christmas holiday
Does ASU really need to be open from December 24 to Dec 31st? There are very few students on campus. Even though staff may have the PTO hours, we cannot ALL take the same days off for this special time of year. Can the school close for a week during this time?
Resolution/Notes
Thank you for your question. We appreciate the opportunity to provide a thorough response. ASU is a member of the tri-university system and as a member, we abide by the policies and practices set forth by the Arizona Board of Regents. Within the guidelines established by these policies, each university has flexibility to operate in support of its mission and goals, which may result in different business practices among the three universities that reflect their leadership priorities, financial considerations, and the needs of the communities served. Student Support: • Many students do not leave campus during winter break, particularly international students or those with housing insecurities, who depend on university facilities such as dormitories, dining halls, and libraries. • Access to advisors and student business services for timely response to enrollment questions and/or financial guidance. • Health resources and services Academic and Research Continuity: • Faculty and students involved in research projects may need uninterrupted access to labs, equipment, or offices. Public or Community-Facing Services: • Universities with museums, public spaces or public events may need to keep some operations running. Year-End Administrative Needs: • Critical administrative tasks such as financial year-end processing or enrollment activities for the upcoming term often occur during this time. Employees can use accrued vacation to meet their individual needs, with supervisor approval. The approval process for vacation time is managed at the department level, while considering the business needs of the department and balancing employee requests and coverage. Colleges and departments can offer alternatives during the regular business hours, but it is expected that the university is accessible and prepared to serve our community. We suggest contacting your supervisor and/or your internal department HR liaison to ask for guidance and/or provide feedback regarding your internal processes.