Employees will get extra personal time off starting July 1

Full-time Pitt employees will get an extra personal day starting on July 1, according to an announcement May 26 from Human Resources.

That will increase the amount of personal time available from 15 hours (two days) to 22.5 hours (three days). Part-time staff will now have 1.5 days (11.25 hours) available for use.

This change follows input from a working group comprised of faculty and staff, the announcement said, and “demonstrates the University’s commitment to meet its strategic priorities of creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment and enhancing the employee experience.”

Personal time may be taken for self-care, for a religious holiday, for pet care or other reasons that fall outside of vacation or sick time. It also can be used for professional development or volunteer time beyond the 7.5 hours per month already provided.

Any time off must be scheduled in advance with the staff member’s supervisor, according to departmental practices.

Personal time is granted at the beginning of each fiscal year and does not carry over to the next fiscal year, so must be used by the end of June. Personal time also is not paid out when an employee leaves the University.