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Winter Break Information

December 20, 2025 – January 2, 2026 Fall Closing Details

As we approach the winter holidays, please review the following important information about campus closures, access, and activities during the winter break.

  • Offices will only be accessible with an AU swipe card.
  • Report access issues to Public Safety at (202) 885-2527.
  • Heating and lighting will be reduced. Buildings may feel cold and less suitable for work.
  • Space heaters are not allowed for safety reasons.
  • Few people will be on campus during the break. Please secure your belongings and stay alert.

📆Pay Period: Nov 22 – Dec 5 (Payday: Dec 12)

  • Submit time: by Fri, Dec 5
  • Manager approval: by Mon, Dec 8

📆Pay Period: Dec 6 – Dec 19 (Payday: Dec 26)

  • Submit time: by Thu, Dec 18
  • Manager approval: by Fri, Dec 19

Late submissions may significantly delay payment.

  • If you receive paper checks, sign up for direct deposit to avoid delays. 
  • See Workday instructions:

1. Add Direct Deposit Bank Accounts

2. Modify Payroll Payment Elections

Contact hrpayrollhelp@american.edu if you need assistance.

Conserve Energy During Break

Details: Annual Energy Curtailment Guidelines

Before leaving for the holiday closure, please do the following:

  • Turn off water fixtures: Make sure sinks, showers, and faucets are off. Report running toilets to 2FIX (202-885-2439).
  • Switch off lights: Turn off room and bathroom lights. Unplug personal lamps.
  • Unplug electronics: Disconnect chargers, TVs, and gaming consoles to stop “vampire energy” use. Clean and unplug refrigerators if possible.
  • Close doors and windows: Prevent cold air from entering and pipes from freezing.
  • Lower thermostats: Set to 55°F or as low as 50°F. Close blinds to keep heat in.
  • Set fans to low speed: Do not turn HVAC units off. Keep them clear of items.

Winter Maintenance

  • Bender Library
    • Dates: Dec 15–20
    • Impact: BUILDING CLOSED for electrical switchboard replacement, which will cause a full power outage. Heating and hot water will also be unavailable during this time.
      • Katzen Music Library will function as usual
    • Online resources available:
      • 24/7 librarian chat
      • Databases, journals, e-books
  • Butler Pavilion
    • Dates: Dec 15–Jan 9
    • Impact: Elevator will be out of service for upgrades.
    • Alternate Route: Use the Sports Center elevator for ADA access.
  • Kerwin Hall
    • Dates: Dec 15–19
    • Impact: Building elevator will be out of service for repairs.

Student Housing Summary

Details:

Housing & Resident Life > Fall Closing

  • Residence Halls Close for Fall Semester:
    • Sun, Dec 14 at 12 p.m.
    • Approved extended stay residents (e.g., graduating seniors): Mon, Dec 15 at 12 p.m.
  • Winter Break Housing:
  • All Halls Reopen:
    • Fri, Jan 9 at 9 a.m.

AU Kitchen (Dining)

Details:

Dine-On-Campus

  • Fri, Dec 12:
    • Meal plans end for fall semester
    • TDR, Eagle Express, Panera, and Starbucks open until 2 p.m.
    • All other venues closed
  • Sat, Dec 13: All dining venues closed
  • Sun, Dec 14: Starbucks open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sun, Jan 11: Select retail venues and TDR will reopen. Please check Dine-On-Campus for hours.
  • Mon, Jan 12: All other dining locations will re-open

Mail Services

Details: Mail Services

  • Mail Services
    • Closed: Dec 20 – Jan 4
    • Reopen: Mon, Jan 5 (Regular hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon–Fri)

Campus Store

Details: Campus Store

  • Dec 14: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (fall commencement)
  • Dec 15 – 19: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Closed: Dec 20 – Jan 4
  • Reopen: Mon, Jan 5 (Regular hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon–Fri)