Holidays

Sam Houston State University provides paid holidays to employees to help balance work and family responsibilities. Employees may observe alternative holidays in lieu of a university holiday.

Eligibility

Benefits-eligible staff, with an FTE greater than or equal to .5, are eligible for paid holidays. Academic year faculty/academic staff, temporary employees (including students), and part-time employees who work irregular schedules are not eligible for paid holidays. Those not eligible should refer to the academic calendar for holidays.

Academic Calendar

Holiday Schedule

Holiday Date of Observance Weekday

Below is the holiday schedule for fiscal year 2027.

Labor Day September 7, 2026 Monday
Limited Staffin Day* (Fall Break)  October 12, 2026 Monday
Limited Staffin Day* (Fall Break) October 13, 2026 Tuesday
Thanksgiving November 26, 2026 Thursday
Thanksgiving November 27, 2026 Friday
Limited Staffing Day* December 21, 2026 Monday
Limited Staffing Day* December 22, 2026 Tuesday
Winter Break December 23, 2026 Wednesday
Winter Break December 24, 2025 Thursday
Winter Break December 25, 2025 Friday
Winter Break December 28, 2026 Monday
Winter Break December 29, 2026 Tuesday
Winter Break December 30, 2026 Wednesday
Winter Break December 31, 2026 Thursday
Winter Break January 1, 2027 Friday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 18, 2027 Monday
Limited Staffing Day* (Spring Break)  March 17, 2027 Wednesday
Limited Staffing Day* (Spring Break) March 18, 2027 Thursday
Limited Staffing Day* (Spring Break) March 19, 2027 Friday
Memorial Day May 31, 2027 Monday
Limited Staffing Day* June 18, 2027 Friday
Limited Staffing Day* July 5, 2027 Monday

*During limited staffing days, administrative and other offices noted in policy HR-08 remain operational with limited staff.

FAQs: Holiday and Skeleton Crew Days

Alternative Holidays

Alternative Holiday Date of Observance Weekday

The following alternative days may be observed in lieu of a university holiday.  Employees may request to observe an approved alternative day in place of a university holiday, subject to supervisor approval. The substituted holiday must be noted in the timesheet comments. 

Using an alternative holiday does not increase the total number of holidays available each year.
Rosh Hashanah September 12, 2026 Saturday
Rosh Hashanah September 13, 2026 Sunday
Yom Kippur September 21, 2026 Monday
Good Friday March 26, 2027 Friday