Dear university community:
We’ve been taking steps recently to recognize and celebrate the unique characteristics that help make Vanderbilt University a great community and a great place to work. Last summer we announced an increased starting minimum wage, an enhanced PTO program and an extended winter break. Earlier this month, we announced a summer flextime schedule.
I want to add to that today by using one of my administrative closure days to extend the Fourth of the July weekend by closing the university on Monday, July 3—a one-time paid holiday for 2017—creating a four-day weekend for many of us.
We are undergoing a multitude of changes, which include designing and implementing SkyVU and FutureVU. These far-reaching initiatives follow the reorganization of the university and Medical Center into separate legal and financial entities. Over a very short period of time, we are doing nothing less than completely changing the way we do business.
By lengthening the holiday weekend, I hope that you can spend time with family and friends and recharge your batteries so we can continue our important work. Of course, the university never completely closes. There are always some essential work activities that must occur, so employees who work in those areas on July 3 will receive an alternate day off or be paid out at management’s discretion.
Thank you for the excellence you bring to your work every day. Enjoy the extended weekend, and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Nicholas S. Zeppos, Chancellor