Mark your calendars for upcoming UA Holidays
The university observes twelve holidays annually, with the next one being Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025.
This applies to all eligible employees, with the exception of those whose critical roles are vital to the university's safety and security, as designated by the Chancellors. Additionally, union contracts may dictate the observance and compensation for holidays.
As the fall holiday season approaches, employees should note the dates for both the holidays and the winter closure. More information on the Winter Closure, including what constitutes Hard and Soft Closure, can be found on the benefits website.
Paid Holidays - November, December & January 2026
Fall Break: Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28, 2025
Winter Holiday: Thursday, December 25 & Friday, December 26, 2025
New Year: Thursday, January 1 & Friday, January 2, 2026
During the Winter Closure, four days are recognized as paid holidays: December 25 and 26, and December 31 and January 1, 2026. However, the Hard Closure days—December 29, 30, 31—are not paid holidays. On these days, employees are required to use Annual Leave, Leave Without Pay, Faculty Time Off, or a Personal Holiday. Similarly, employees observing the Soft Closure must also utilize Annual Leave, Leave Without Pay, Faculty Time Off, or a Personal Holiday. Actual Soft Closure dates observed are determined by each department individually, and by business needs.
During Hard Closure, certain departments must remain operational. Supervisors and unit leaders are advised to coordinate with their respective leadership — be it the president, chancellor, vice president, chief officer, provost, or vice chancellor — to ascertain the necessary staffing levels to sustain university functions. Employees are obligated to submit their timesheets amidst a Hard Closure, while supervisors are tasked with approving these timesheets. It's advisable to complete these tasks in advance, so planning ahead is crucial. For units considering a partial or complete shutdown during Soft Closure days, it's essential to collaborate with their designated leadership contact. Leadership will then assist the department/unit in ensuring that operational requirements are fulfilled.
After a department's business hours are established and communicated by the supervisor, employees are expected to discuss leave options and scheduling with their supervisor. It is important for employees to note that eligibility for retirement (PERS and TRS) could be impacted if unpaid leave surpasses ten days within a calendar year.
For inquiries regarding UA Holidays, please reach out to your direct supervisor or send an email to ua-benefits@alaska.edu.
For the complete holiday schedule, please refer to the benefits section on the UA website and for question, please reach out to ua-benefits@alaska.edu.
UA News 8/7/2025
