myHR: June 3, 2026

Recognized Holidays for Fiscal Year 2027

The following holidays will be observed by the University in the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027) on the dates listed below:

• Independence Day, Friday, July 3, 2026
• Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026
• Thanksgiving, Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27, 2026
• Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2026 
• New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2027 
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 18, 2027
• Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2027
• Juneteenth, Friday, June 18, 2027

Each year, the President, Provost, and Executive Vice President assess the feasibility of observing Penn’s traditional Special Winter Vacation. Thus, the Special Winter Vacation granted to faculty and staff will be on December 28 through December 31, 2026. If an employee is required to work to continue departmental operations for part or all of this period, the Special Winter Vacation can be rescheduled for some other time.

Staff members who are absent from work either the workday before a holiday, the workday after a holiday, or both days, will receive holiday pay if that absence is charged to pre-approved paid time off or to sick time substantiated by a written note from the staff member’s health care provider.

Vacations and holidays for hospital employees or those staff members in collective bargaining units are governed by the terms of hospital policies or their respective collective bargaining agreements.

Be in the Know 2025-2026 Campaign Ends Soon

Penn’s 2025-2026 Be in the Know annual wellness campaign is coming to a close on June 30; but there’s still time for you to enjoy healthy activities, earn points, and receive up to $300 in cash rewards. Here are some important wellness reminders as the campaign countdown begins.

• The campaign year runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.  
• To earn rewards, you must enroll on the WebMD platform. Get started by visiting WebMD or downloading their “Wellness At Your Side” mobile app (connection code: Penn).  
• You have until June 15, 2026, to submit your completed preventative health activities using the Preventative Health Verification Form. You can earn up to 1,000 points for completing any eligible health exams, screenings, and vaccinations, including an annual physical exam and flu vaccine. Download the form on the WebMD platform or Be in the Know webpage. Please allow up to two weeks for forms to process and to receive credit. If you do not see credit for your Preventative Health Verification Form or if you have any questions, please call WebMD at 1-800-493-5980. For more information, read the April 22 myHR newsletter.  
• June is Employee Health and Wellness Month, so take advantage of the physical, mental, financial, and emotional well-being programs, activities, and events designed to help you take steps toward healthier habits. You can also earn points toward the 2025-2026 Be in the Know wellness campaign.  
• Penn offers several discounts with fitness centers, including Penn Campus Rec and ACAC, to make staying active more affordable and convenient. For a complete list of the new and enhanced discounts, review the fitness center discounts flyer.  
• All cash incentives for the Be in the Know wellness campaign will be added to your paychecks (less applicable payroll taxes) and paid on a monthly basis.  
  

For more information about the Be in the Know annual wellness campaign, WebMD wellness platform, and additional Penn Healthy You programs and resources, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/pennhealthyyou. 

Maximizing Your Retirement Plan Contributions

As the new fiscal year approaches, consider whether it’s a good time for you to add a little more to your retirement plan contributions. Even small increases add up over time, thanks to the power of compounding. The cutoff for changing your contribution amount for July’s pay is June 17.

How to Change Your Contribution Elections at TIAA

• Visit the Saving for Retirement webpage. In the blue Enroll or Make Changes box, click the TIAA.org link.
• Select ACCOUNTS, then choose MANAGE CONTRIBUTIONS from the Quick Links drop-down menu.
• Under your UPenn Accounts, click MANAGE CONTRIBUTIONS again. Select MANAGE CONTRIBUTIONS one more time to adjust your elections.

Know the Impact of Using Your Retirement Savings Early

If you’re thinking about using your retirement savings early to pay for things you need or want now, you should understand that accessing that money early comes with drawbacks. To learn more about loans and early withdrawals, take a few minutes to read TIAA’s Life Essentials article: Thinking About Using Your Retirement Savings Early?

With the right knowledge, you’ll be in a better position to understand whether a loan or early withdrawal is the right option for your situation.

Finding Your Work-life Blend

When it comes to work life balance, what’s satisfying for one person may not be everyone’s cup of tea – especially if you’re more into espresso. As you grow and experience changes at home and on the job, the career and personal life mix that once worked well may need an adjustment. For a fresh look at work-life balance, register for the Life Blend virtual workshop on Thursday, July 9, from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Life Blend, a new Penn Employee Assistance Program session, can help you rebalance your life by learning ways to take control of competing priorities. This lively webinar will be facilitated by wellness coach Maddalena Palermo. Originally from Italy, Palermo brings a distinctive perspective that integrates scientific research, coaching psychology, and Mediterranean lifestyle principles.

Life Blend covers the key stressors that often throw professionals out of balance. The program will guide you through practical strategies for setting boundaries and managing time to meet your life goals and responsibilities while practicing your values.

You’ll also learn how to develop a personalized action plan to maintain your energy and get the most out of your time without becoming overwhelmed.

For more work-life and wellness workshops, tap into HR’s event listings.

Healthy Meals: Grilled Veggie and Chicken Sausage Foil Packets

These Grilled Veggie and Chicken Sausage Foil Packets, brought to you by Ramp Health, are the ultimate in healthful convenience. Smoky chicken sausage pairs perfectly with crisp broccoli, sweet bell peppers, and tender zucchini, all tossed in savory Italian seasoning. Using foil packets on the grill eliminates much of the cookware, so this customizable, healthy recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with no dishwashing drama.

Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2-cup small diced potatoes

Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium heat. Cut 4 large pieces of heavy duty foil.
2. In a large bowl, toss sausage, vegetables, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide the mixture evenly onto the foil sheets. Fold and seal each packet tightly.
4. Place packets on the grill and cook 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
5. Carefully open packets, watching for steam. Check that vegetables are tender.
6. Serve directly from the packets or pour into bowls.

Meet With a Registered Dietitian Today!

• One-on-one, virtual sessions you can schedule at any time that works for you
• 100% covered under many insurance plans
• Available to spouses and dependents
• Fill out the Ramp Health Nutrition Counseling Sign Up Form or call 800-484-7720.

Did You Know: Tuition Benefits System Open for Fall Requests

Penn’s Online Tuition Management System is now open for Fall 2026 term requests for you and your dependents. You can access the system and learn more about tuition benefits on HR’s tuition benefit system web page . Be sure to submit fall term requests by November 15.