University faculty and staff to get an extra holiday April 14

Written by  Jim Bakken

With a few exceptions outlined below, UAB employees in Workgroups A and F will receive an extra holiday this year on April 14 in recognition of their continued dedication and hard work. April 14 was previously designated as one of two wellness days for students in the spring semester, and faculty were provided course planning guidance. March 16 will remain a wellness day as previously communicated and planned; April 14 will become a day-off for faculty and staff.

There are limited exceptions for groups of employees who will not recognize April 14 as a holiday:

  • Workgroup C: This extra day off does not apply to employees in Workgroup C, and faculty with clinical responsibilities should consult with their leadership; clinical employees’ continued dedication and hard work has been recognized separately in light of UAB Medicine’s unique operational structures.
  • Essential Services: As with all UAB holidays, most campus operations will be suspended; but essential services will continue. Managers should provide employees advance notice of the holiday work schedule, and employees in Workgroups A who receive personal holidays instead of designated ones (like UAB Police) should check with their supervisors regarding staffing.

UAB President Ray L. Watts says that — with the stress and uncertainty through which the campus community continues to persevere — it is important that students, faculty and staff find time to rest.

“The extra holidays we provided in December this year seemed to be appreciated and needed,” Watts said. “They certainly were well deserved, as is this day-off in April. We continue to make tremendous strides in all areas of our mission because of the outstanding work our employees do every day.

“The university was unfortunately not able to provide employees merit raises this year, but we want to recognize them how we can. With COVID cases declining and access to vaccines increasing, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But we still need to take care of ourselves and each other.”

Check your workgroup assignment at uab.edu/hr/knowyourgroup.