Dear Colleagues:

It’s been reassuring to see so many of you back on campus this fall. However, I’m writing today to remind you to make sure that you’ve planned to NOT be on campus — that is, to take your earned time off. I want you to know that it’s not only OK to take time off, but we also expect our workforce to do so.

Whether you’re planning to catch up on that stack of books on the nightstand, take a week away or just a day or two for your blacksmithing projects (maybe that’s just me), taking time away from work is essential to your health and well-being.

Because of the pandemic, the number of hours that can be carried over was temporarily increased to 480 hours under a University System of Maryland exception. Staff members have until the final pay period of the 2022 calendar year to use any leave over 400 hours, or else it will be forfeited; faculty members have until the final pay period of the 2021 calendar year to use the additional 80 hours.

I hope that you will plan to take some time off. Vacation time is one of your benefits, one that you should take advantage of to unplug and recharge. 

Sincerely,

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS

President