What's Happening Dec. 28?

Kathy Peterson, an administrative assistant in the Office of Divisional Deans, Arts & Sciences, knows what she'll be doing with her extra paid day off Dec. 28: painting her son's bedroom.

She was prepared to paint over the holidays, but now that Duke is providing an additional day off with pay for University faculty and staff, Peterson looks forward to the holiday without feeling rushed.

"Now I have a dedicated day in which I can get it completely done," Peterson said.

The extra paid day off is being given to University employees, including employees at the School of Medicine and School of Nursing The extra day off is in addition to the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day holidays and does not count against a staff member's accrued vacation, sick leave or discretionary holidays.

"This is one way for us to thank staff for their efforts during what has been a difficult year of managing through financial challenges," said Duke President Richard H. Brodhead. "We encourage staff to take the extra day off to relax and recharge."

The University campus will essentially be closed on Monday, Dec. 28, and access to buildings will be limited to help reduce operational costs.

Because of the need for patient care, the day off does not apply to Health System staff or School of Medicine staff employed by the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC). The day also does not apply to staff represented by a bargaining unit or those employees (e.g. students, temporaries) who do not meet eligibility requirements for designated holidays.

The University also granted an extra day off with pay during December in 2008. Peterson appreciates that this year Duke announced the extra day off well in advance. "There is still time to shop for a good deal on a ticket if you want to get out of town," she said.

Jessica Johnstone, an administrative assistant at the Duke Clinical Research Institute, was already planning to get out of town over Christmas. The extra day off hasn't changed her plans. But she appreciates that she will be using less vacation time, and can save up that extra day for a trip with her husband in 2010.

"There are a couple of work-related conferences he is going to -- one in Salt Lake City, and maybe one in Germany. It would be fun to go with him," she said.

Peterson said that while she is extremely happy with the extra day to paint, she also appreciates the bigger message the decision sends. "We are all really busy," she said. "It is nice to know that the higher ups recognize that people are really working hard."