Due to changes in the vacation and sick leave policies, Baker University employees will be enjoying up to 15 additional days off work in 2007.

“We are always looking at ways to provide better benefits for our employees,” Director of Human Resources Kelly Newton said. “This is one way we can be competitive as an employer.”

The changes were announced in a memo Newton sent on Nov. 17, which stated all employees will be receiving an additional six days of sick leave, bringing the total to 12 days.

All employees will also be receiving two more vacation days each year. Those who have been employees of Baker for 20 years or more will be granted an additional week on top of the two days.

Not all employees receive the same amount of vacation days, Newton said.

“The amount of vacation varies by how long you are here and your status,” he said. “An hourly person can begin with up to two weeks of vacation, though.”

In addition to making Baker a more appealing place to work, these changes were also brought about because not all employees are able to take advantage of days off around the holidays.

“Some departments, such as security and food service, are not always able to leave campus when students do,” Newton said. “At Thanksgiving most students gohome; however, we still have some students here, so we must have security here, too.”

Physical Plant Director Gary Walbridge said the university used to give workers an early dismissal on the days before certain holidays and even spring break.

“When they used to let people out before a holiday, it was an issue for maintenance and food service,” he said. “Maintenance usually starts the day at 7 a.m., so when they used to let people out at 1:30 (p.m.), maintenance had already worked about a full day. It was an issue.”

Walbridge also pointed out that even when students go home for summer, maintenance and food service employees must continue to work because of the summer groups using the campus.

Newton said the hope is that allowing additional vacation days will help make up for some employees having to work on days other employees, such as professors, do not.

Walbridge said at least one member of the maintenance staff would be eligible for the additional days granted to employees with more than 20 years of experience.

Food Service Evening Supervisor Johnnie Jardon said at least three employees in food service will be able to take advantage of the benefits available to those employed 20 years or more.

“We all welcome the change,” Jardon said. “We do try to work around letting people off for holidays whenever we can. Some of us can usually leave, but only a few.”

Jardon said he is not sure what he is going to do on his extra days off.

“I have been thinking about it,” he said. “I really don’t know what I will do with myself, but I’m sure it will be nice to have a break.”