Penn State President Rodney Erickson has announced that the University will grant a paid day off for staff and technical-service employees on Dec. 31, a day which falls during the University’s holiday closedown. Employees will not need to charge vacation or no-pay to account for the time off.
“I’m humbled by and sincerely grateful for your work; for your enthusiasm and commitment; and for your willingness to share your time and talents with all of us. You have made Penn State one of the best universities in the world, and in my view, a great place to teach and learn, to engage in research and the arts, and to serve humankind,” Erickson said in his note to employees.
Dec. 31 is not considered a “holiday,” so provisions for premium pay and the like do not apply.
Human Resources Guideline HRG10, “Handling ‘Weather Day’ Absences or Official University Closedowns Due to Weather Conditions,” provides the needed guidance. In general, the following will apply:
— Employees who normally work Tuesdays, including wage payroll employees who are eligible for earned time, will receive pay for the day as if they had worked. Employees who had previously scheduled a vacation day or no pay will not have such time charged.
— Employees who are required to work on December 31, including wage payroll employees who are eligible for earned time, will receive time off equivalent to the number of hours worked.
— Full-time staff and technical-service employees whose regular day off falls on December 31 will receive an additional day of equivalent time off to be scheduled at another time mutually agreeable to the employee and the supervisor. Although this represents an expansion of the benefit provided for in the guideline, it is in keeping with the intention of the provision of this unique benefit.
For more information, contact your human resources representative.