State holidays expand to include Juneteenth

In April, Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation that changed state law, expanding the number of annual paid holidays for benefits-eligible state employees from 12 to 13. Based on the change in the state law, the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents voted to update its own policy to align with the state code. The state actions follow last year’s establishment by the federal government of a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Beginning this year, the USG will add Juneteenth to its list of scheduled holidays. Juneteenth National Independence Day, which falls on a Sunday this year, will be observed on Monday, June 20.

The remaining holidays for calendar year 2022, and the dates they will be observedon campus, include:

Memorial Day: Monday, May 30
Juneteenth Independence Day: Monday, June 20, 2022
Independence Day: Monday, July 4
Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 5
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 24
Day After Thanksgiving: Friday, Nov. 25
Winter Holiday Break: Monday, Dec. 26-Friday, Dec. 30 (Christmas Eve observed Dec. 26 and Christmas Day obserbed Dec. 27)

Managers over departments that cannot be closed on a holiday due to operational demands (Public Safety, patient care roles, etc.) are expected to schedule employees to work so that coverage is adequate for operations. Employees whose positions require that they work on a scheduled holiday will continue to be able to take the holiday at a later date. Managers and employees are expected to schedule the deferred holiday within 60 days of the holiday.

According to the Office of the Provost, Augusta University will not adjust the academic calendar to add an additional instructional day; therefore, alternate learning activity/activities will be necessary to make up for the lost class session June 20. Depending on the nature of the course, the following activities might be considered for students to earn the necessary instructional time:

Scheduling sessions on another date
Assigning readings, videos, or activities that students complete asynchronously
Designating an assignment that provides students with additional practice and feedback

The above list is provided as examples only and is not exhaustive. Unless otherwise directed by their respective dean and/or chair, each faculty member will have the flexibility to determine the best approach.

Please contact Human Resources with feedback or questions.