Employees to get two additional days off the week of Dec. 25

President thanks community for commitment to CWRU

President Barbara R. Snyder announced today that the university will close Dec. 27 and 28 this year to give most employees a full week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day. “This year has been especially challenging in terms of our financial constraints,” President Snyder said, “yet so many have continued to work tirelessly to advance our mission of education and research. These two additional paid days off during the holidays represent a small effort to convey our gratitude for this commitment to Case Western Reserve.” University employees already had Monday, Tuesday and Friday of the week of Dec. 25 as paid days off for the holidays. As leaders considered ways to demonstrate appreciation for individuals’ significant contributions this year, Vice President for Human Resources Carolyn Gregory suggested that an uninterrupted week during the holiday season might be particularly meaningful. After discussion among members of President’s Cabinet, President Snyder approved Gregory’s recommendation. Employees who previously scheduled vacation for Dec. 27 and/or Dec. 28 can withdraw those requests now and use the days at another time. While some individuals must work during the closure—for example, those involved in safety and facilities—they still will have the opportunity for additional compensation (for non-exempt employees) or paid time off on another date. Supervisors will determine which employees will work on those days and, in the case of non-exempt employees, the timing of the alternate days off. The Office of Human Resources is developing protocols to guide supervisors and business officers regarding the details of implementing the president’s decision, and will share that information early next week. Nevertheless, university leaders wanted to announce the decision as soon as possible to allow individuals to adjust plans related to that week.