University Closures and Holidays
We urge the University to more closely reevaluate the university closure days and turn to peer state universities that afford employees with a better work/life balance including UA, NAU, and dozens of universities across the UA to gain a picture of how this can be done successfully. In this processes we urge you to find out how these institutions can successfully strike a balance between staff work/life balance (and boost employee morale) while continuing to meet the needs of their great institutions. Many staff are acutely aware that we are falling behind in terms of our soft benefits (holidays) at ASU, and we have witnessed our talented coworkers leaving because of the better balance. For example, NAU and UA afford their non-essential staff much more time off around the year-end holidays when most of our offices are rather quiet anyway. Additionally, NAU and UA have Juneteenth and President's day off. If diversity is truly a point of pride at ASU, it leaves us staff wondering why we do not honor these federal holidays. Clearly we understand we could use PTO during these times, but many of us feel we should not have to and that the implicit message ASU is sending to its staff is one of uncaring and dismissiveness. Finally, NAU has for the last several years allowed staff in the summers to take Friday's off and have a 32-hour work week. While all of these work/life balance adjustments may not be suitable to the operations of ASU, many of us feel at least some could be piloted at ASU over a period of years to isolate what works and what does not at our institution. We urge you to take us seriously in this request so ASU can be the benefactor of increased productivity vis-a-vis increased employee morale and allow us to remain a competitive employer in the valley and the state.
Resolution/Notes
Thank you for your question. 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 the 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.
Our mission at ASU is to provide comprehensive support to our students, their families, faculty, staff, and the broader community we serve. In line with our commitment to accessibility and support, we have determined that ASU will remain open during the winter break and adhere to the standard work week. Below are some key reasons for this decision:
• Student Support: Many students, especially international students or those with housing insecurities, rely on university facilities (such as dormitories, dining halls, and libraries) during the break.
• Access to Advising and Services: Students may need assistance from advisors or business services regarding enrollment or financial matters.
• Health Resources: Continuity of health services remains essential during the break.
• Academic and Research Continuity: Faculty and students engaged in research may require uninterrupted access to labs, equipment, or offices.
• Public or Community-Facing Services: ASU’s museums, public spaces, and public events may need to maintain operations during this period.
• Year-End Administrative Needs: Critical administrative functions, such as financial year-end processing and enrollment activities for the upcoming term, are often carried out at 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.
Additionally, effective January 1, 2025, ASU introduced a new benefit for all benefits-eligible university staff, classified staff, and non-faculty administrators. Employees will now be able to take up to eight hours of Flexible Leave Time annually, which can be used for any reason that supports personal needs. For additional help/questions, we suggest contacting your supervisor and/or your internal department HR representative.