Holiday Schedule
2026–2027 Holiday Schedule
| Holiday | University Status | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | University Closed | September 7, 2026 | Monday |
| Day Before Thanksgiving | University Closed | November 25, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | University Closed | November 26, 2026 | Thursday |
| Day After Thanksgiving | University Closed | November 27, 2026 | Friday |
| Winter Break | Skeleton Crew Required* | December 22, 2026 | Tuesday |
| Winter Break | University Closed | December 23, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Winter Break | University Closed | December 24, 2026 | Thursday |
| Winter Break | University Closed | December 25, 2026 | Friday |
| Winter Break | Skeleton Crew Required* | December 28, 2026 | Monday |
| Winter Break | Skeleton Crew Required* | December 29, 2026 | Tuesday |
| Winter Break | Skeleton Crew Required* | December 30, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Winter Break | Skeleton Crew Required* | December 31, 2026 | Thursday |
| New Year's Day | University Closed | January 1, 2027 | Friday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | University Closed | January 18, 2027 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | University Closed | May 31, 2027 | Monday |
| Independence Day (Observed) | University Closed | July 5, 2027 | Monday |
Holiday Leave
Paid holiday leave is provided to employees who are appointed to work at least 20 hours per week for a period of at least four and one-half continuous months. Employees appointed less than full-time but at least 20 hours per week are eligible for holiday leave, including floating holiday leave, proportionate to the number of hours appointed.
The legislature provides institutions of higher education the flexibility to establish their own holiday schedules. This flexibility allows U.T. System Administration to establish a holiday schedule that is more compatible with the academic calendars of the institutions we serve. Accordingly, U.T. System Administration observes the same number of holidays observed by state agencies even though our respective holiday schedules may differ.
*Skeleton Crews
Days marked with an asterisk are skeleton-crew days, when the University maintains minimum services as required by the Texas Government Code. Your Vice President or Dean will let your department know how coverage will be handled. This requirement does not apply to a holiday that falls on a Saturday, Sunday, the Friday after Thanksgiving, or December 24 or 26.
When Skeleton Crews are Required
When Skeleton Crews are Required
Vice Presidents and Deans determine how their reporting departments will handle skeleton crews. For example, if the work of the department involves conducting business with the public, then a skeleton crew is necessary.
Depending on the type of work, the Vice President or Dean might allow the skeleton crew to work from an off-campus location or by phone. Vice Presidents or Deans determine the minimum number of staff required for an on-site skeleton crew.
Holiday Compensatory Time
Employees who work on a holiday will receive equivalent time off within the 12-month period following the holiday worked.
Optional Holidays
The legislature has designated Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Good Friday as optional holidays. A holiday pay-eligible employee may observe optional holidays by working on any holiday in which a skeleton workforce is required or by using applicable accrued leave.