UMS Colleagues -
I've written often over the course of the pandemic to let you know how our universities are balancing public health and safety with the continuity of our teaching and learning, research, and general operations. You've played a big part in our successful operations, month after month. So today I'm writing simply to say thank you and recognize that you have earned a well-deserved break.
December 25 and January 1 are upcoming paid UMS holidays, recognizing Christmas Day and New Year's Day, respectively. Both fall on a Friday this year. In recognition of your hard work through the pandemic and particularly this fall, I am declaring paid administrative holidays for December 24 and December 31 as well. I hope that those of you who can take advantage of the back-to-back four-day holiday weekends will enjoy time away from the burdens of work with your loved ones -- and stay healthy doing it.
In sharing this news, I also want to recognize that some among us will still need to keep working through these holidays -- to support students who will be living in our residence halls over the holidays, to maintain our university facilities and grounds, and to provide public safety, among others. Each of us plays an important part in carrying on our work in public service to Maine, and I hope you'll remember with gratitude those who continue working even when we take some well-deserved time off.
University of Maine System HR leaders will be sharing additional information in the coming days about how to record your time for the upcoming holidays.
Thanks again, and I wish you a happy and, perhaps more importantly this year, healthy holiday season.
