To help employees plan their work schedules and time-off usage throughout the year, Wichita State is happy to share the winter break schedule has been approved this year, which will commence at the end of the day Friday, Dec. 19, with the university reopening Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. The break is 10 business days, two of which are paid holidays. Thanks to President Muma, employees may use four “Additional Personal Days” to remain in pay status during winter break. Classes will not be in session during this period.
Unclassified Professional and University Support Staff may use accumulated paid leave, Additional Personal Days, or their 2026 discretionary day* to cover time off during the winter break. Non-exempt employees may also use accumulated compensatory time off during the winter break.
If an employee’s role requires them to work during the winter break, it must be approved in advance by their immediate supervisor.
Dates of winter break:
- Monday, Dec. 22, 2025
- Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025
- Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
- Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025 (paid holiday)
- Friday, Dec. 26, 2025
- Monday, Dec. 29, 2025
- Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025
- Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
- Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 (paid holiday)
- Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
An employee must be in pay status the entire workday before and the entire workday after state holidays to receive holiday pay. The official state holidays (bolded) are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Employees required to work during the winter break will be allowed to use their four Additional Personal Days anytime from Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026. Wichita State appreciates your dedication and service to the university.
*The discretionary day for 2025 must be used on or before Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, prior to the beginning of the winter break. The discretionary day for 2026 will be available as of Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, and may be used during the 2025 winter break.
