university observed days off
Since 2022, the university has provided a Winter Break at the end of the year and since 2023, the university has observed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a holiday. The Winter Break functions the same as university holidays. Offering expanded days off for staff and faculty demonstrate the university's commitment to developing a flexible, supportive, inclusive workplace required to respond to aspirations and needs of employees to foster a great place to work and learn.
Holiday rules for benefits-eligible support staff can be found here , and these rules apply to the Winter Break and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. More information is also available within each respective union contract .
Please note, per HR policy, Holiday pay is not payable if the employee has an unexcused absence on either the day before or the day after the holiday. If ineligible for holiday pay, enter unpaid time (2990 or 2995) on the holiday for CT and Salary employees.
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the observed days off.
Winter Break
Yes. The Winter Break will function the same as university holidays and the university will be closed. Essential operations will continue as they would on holidays.
Yes. The university will continue to observe the Winter Break on an annual basis.
Yes. The new winter break days will function the same as university holidays.
Employee groups that get holidays off will also get the Winter Break off. Groups that will not get the Winter Break off/paid include student employees, temporary and on-call employees (except 1585 temporary employees).
The university recognizes that employees are seeking balance in their work life. MSU is acting in a variety of ways to support our employees’ well-being. Providing employees with a winter break aligns with MSU’s 2030 Strategic Plan call to “review university policies, practices and opportunity structures to identify better ways to increase diversity, foster inclusive dialogue and provide support to staff and faculty.” One of the ways we can achieve this is by expanding the number of observed days off to strengthen our commitment to creating a best-in-class workplace culture.
No. Pay dates remain unchanged. For more information on the payroll schedules see Payroll Schedules .
You are no longer required to use vacation time for the observance of the Winter Break since the university is closed.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day
In 2026, Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day is Monday, January 19. In 2027, MLK Day will be Monday, January 18.
MLK Day has been a holiday for students in the past. Faculty, academic staff and support staff will now enjoy a holiday along with students as we honor the work and legacy of Dr. King. This aligns with the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan and supports our commitment to our employees’ well-being while fostering an inclusive workplace culture in which all can do their best work.
Since MLK Day is considered a university holiday, all groups that get paid holidays will also get MLK Day. Groups that will not get MLK Day off/paid include student employees, temporary and on-call employees (except 1585 temporary employees).
Yes. MLK Day will function the same as other university holidays and the university will be closed. Essential operations will continue as they would on other holidays.
