EIU Media Relations

University Newsletter

2024 Holiday Announcement

Dear Colleagues,

The university will be closed in observance of Christmas and New Year's on Eastern's four official holidays: Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, 2024; Tuesday, December 31, 2024 and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Please note all offices must remain open following fall graduation, December 14, up to and including December 23.

In addition, per IGP #7.5, Gift Days for 2024 will be observed on December 26, 27 and 30.  Employees, including probationary employees, will not have to use their own leave time for these days.  Essential employees of the University will still be required to work on one or more of the gift days.  Vice-Presidents and/or Directors will identify those areas/employees deemed essential for University operations.  An employee(s) identified as “essential” will be allowed to flex the gift days at another time, but must use that time by March 31, 2025.  FAQ’s regarding the Gift day may be found at:  https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/.

Employees who are in probationary status who wish to use time outside of the gift days (example, Dec 16 through Dec 23), will be allowed to use any available accrued leave or take leave without pay during the Holiday season. Probationary employees who wish to use accrued leave during the holiday period must complete the Civil Service Employee Request for Accrued Leave During Probation form available here.  

Supervisors are encouraged to approve time-off requests, unless the employment is required for essential duties during that period or the time off impedes the ability for the office to remain open through Dec 23. Should an employee choose to take leave without pay, please note that accrued leave, sick leave and service credit will not be earned.

Please note that the following eligibility rules apply for holiday compensation. Employees must be in an approved pay status, with or without pay, on the last scheduled work day before the holiday and the first scheduled work day following the holiday in order to receive holiday pay. Employees who are subject to the provisions of a prevailing-rate area agreement or a collective bargaining agreement will be paid according to the terms of the respective agreement. 

Time reporting codes have previously been created for use on time sheets and leave reports.  If you do not have to work on December 26, 27 or 30, please report it under University Gift Day – Non-work (763).  If you must work on any of the gift days, please report any of that time under University Gift Day – Time worked (764).  If you must work and flex your day(s) at another time, when you use that day, you will use the 763 – University Gift Day – Non-work at that time.

Inquiries regarding this information may be directed to the Benefits Office at (217) 581-5825 or by e-mailing benefits@eiu.edu.

Thank you!

Human Resources