A message to faculty and staff on staff appreciation day off

As we complete an extraordinary academic year, we write to extend our profound thanks to all colleagues—Penn’s unsurpassed faculty and staff—for your individual and collaborative efforts in serving our community through the pandemic while working both on-campus and remotely.

Over the past year the University made tremendous progress in our mutual mission of inclusion, innovation, and impact. Working together, we successfully concluded a year of pathbreaking research and world-class education under the most challenging of circumstances. A most fitting culmination was the commencement ceremony on May 17, where we were able to celebrate the success of our outstanding students. Penn’s remarkable success is attributable to your efforts along with those of so many talented and caring individuals united in dedication to Penn’s essential mission.

To manifest our appreciation for everyone’s contribution to Penn’s collective success in a year like no other, we are offering an administrative day off with pay for all University staff members to be enjoyed by December 31, 2021.

Schools and Centers will administer this day off in a manner that supports their operations. A few may choose a particular day for all staff while others may provide a time period for utilization of this day. Staff are encouraged to coordinate time off with their supervisor and follow departmental, school, and center guidelines for enjoying and reporting this time.

We hope you enjoy this added day off. We look forward to joyfully reuniting on campus in the fall.