UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – To recognize the hard work and contributions of Penn State staff, University leaders have approved an expansion of the winter break this year for full-time employees. The break will now include Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Winter break will begin Dec. 24 and run through Jan. 2, providing a week and a half of time off to full-time employees. This extension will apply only to the upcoming winter break.
“Penn State employees have provided valuable and essential services to our community over the past year,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “I, along with other University leaders, greatly appreciate the dedication and hard work our staff has demonstrated each day, and we hope this gives them extra time to relax and spend time with friends and loved ones.”
Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, echoed Bendapudi’s appreciation, adding, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our staff members. Your dedication and effort this year have truly made a difference at Penn State.”
To accommodate this change, University offices and operations will be closed from 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2. This day will be considered a closedown day. University offices and operations will resume at normal starting times on Monday, Jan. 5.
Employees who are required to work on Jan. 2 will receive compensatory time for hours worked, for use at a different time, in accordance with Human Resources Guideline 10, or, if they are union represented, their collective bargaining agreements. This day will need to be recorded in Workday. For instructions on how to enter this time, please refer to the Official Campus Closure Job Aid.