Additions to Upcoming Holidays and Campus Closures

Message from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Over the spring, summer, and fall months, our world-class faculty and dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to prepare our campus for reopening and execute our plans for operation. Once our campus reopened, the Radford family responded to emerging issues and individual needs. This was no small feat and took many individuals working countless hours and navigating numerous challenges.

I know that many of you are feeling the weight of our critical efforts and the magnitude of our important work. I have seen it on your faces, and I have heard it in your voices. But, consistent with the Highlander spirit of being responsive, resilient, and real, you never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand to a student or a colleague. That level of care and sense of community are what make Radford University such a special place.

With all that you have done to reopen our campus and ensure a solid foundation for our success this semester, as well as next semester, I am pleased to announce several additions to upcoming holidays and campus closures.

  • Election Day – The Commonwealth of Virginia has declared Election Day, which will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, as a state holiday. On this day, the University will remain open as classes will be in session. Employees who accrue leave will be provided four hours of holiday time for this day. The four hours of holiday time can be taken on November 3, 2020 or eligible employees will earn compensatory time on an hour-for-hour basis to be used on a later date. The remaining four hours for this state holiday will be observed during Thanksgiving Week, as noted below. Employees should consult with their supervisors regarding plans for Election Day as most offices will need to remain open in order to support University operations, such as classes, while also acknowledging the important nature of this occasion and our fundamental duty and civic right to vote.
  • Thanksgiving Week – The Commonwealth of Virginia has provided 2.5 days of holiday time, specifically the afternoon of Wednesday, November 25, 2020 and all day on Thursday, November 26, 2020 and Friday, November 27, 2020. The University will observe the second half of the Election Day holiday on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Furthermore, I am authorizing University closures on Monday, November 23, 2020 and Tuesday, November 24, 2020 providing two additional paid days to employees who accrue leave. As such, a majority of University offices will be closed the week of Thanksgiving with a full week of paid leave for employees who accrue leave. A limited number of offices, such as the Registrar, will need to provide support as faculty are submitting final grades for the Fall 2020 semester on both Monday and Tuesday of that week. Employees should consult with their supervisors regarding plans for Thanksgiving Week. Eligible employees working the holiday or authorized closing will earn compensatory time to be used later.
  • Holiday Break – The University will close on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. A full two weeks of paid leave will be provided to employees who accrue leave. In addition to the dates on the Holiday Schedule, I am authorizing University closures on Monday, December 21, 2020; Tuesday, December 22, 2020; and Wednesday, December 23, 2020 in order to provide three additional paid days to employees who accrue leave. The University will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. Employees should consult with their supervisors to determine if there are any work-related needs over the Holiday Break.


I hope that you enjoy this additional time, representing one additional day by the Commonwealth of Virginia and five additional days by the University. You are encouraged to spend this extended time with loved ones in a healthy and safe manner and reflect on all that we have accomplished together in the midst of the global health pandemic. Again, please know how much you mean to the Radford family and the impact your work has on our campus community, especially our students!


With Highlander Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.