Juneteenth declared a federal holiday – UA to celebrate the holiday June 18

Today, President Biden approved the addition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday to be annually observed on June 19. This evening, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also announced that pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, Juneteenth also will be recognized as a state holiday, with most state offices closed tomorrow (Friday, June 18), since June 19 is Saturday.

In recognition, The University of Akron will observe Juneteenth as an additional holiday. Critical activities already scheduled for tomorrow, June 18 – such as New Student Orientation and support services related to NSO – will continue as scheduled. Other non-affected employees will be permitted to take the day off with pay.

Due to these late developments, we recognize that not all individuals will be able to utilize tomorrow as a paid holiday due to their work commitment to campus activities. Those individuals who are required to report can work with their supervisor to find an acceptable time to utilize the new holiday hours. Instructions on this process will be forthcoming.

Faculty are encouraged to cancel classes for tomorrow (June 18), however, if that is not possible due to critical curricular activities, faculty can use their discretion in making the decision.