Dear GW Faculty and Staff,
We're pleased to share that this year’s Winter Break and New Year’s Day university holidays will be extended by an additional day. Friday, January 2, 2026, has been designated as a one-time special day off for all faculty and staff.
We sincerely appreciate the work you do each day to support our students and the broader university community. We also recognize how important it is to spend time with loved ones, especially during the holiday season.
The revised schedule is as follows:
- Winter Break and New Year’s Day: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Special Day Off: Friday, January 2, 2026
Please note, employees should not use Paid Time Off for this date. If you have submitted a time off request for January 2, 2026, please cancel it in the Time Reporting System (TRS).
Employees who are out on an approved Leave of Absence on January 2 should consult with GW Benefits.
If you are required to work on observed university holidays, please follow the established process of taking an alternative day off. In some cases, your dean or unit leadership may communicate additional guidance.
Employees subject to a collective bargaining agreement should consult with their union representatives about if and how this Special Day Off applies to them.
We hope that you enjoy this additional time to spend with your family and friends!
Sincerely,
John Lach
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Bruno Fernandes
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer