The University of Pennsylvania’s ample paid time off (PTO) benefits will be expanded starting in the new fiscal year. After thorough review and consultation with leaders from across our schools and centers, the University of Pennsylvania has updated its Paid Time Off Policy with increased accrual rates for new and recently hired staff members. The policy revisions will go into effect July 1, 2023. 

This policy revision strengthens the University’s ability to recruit talented staff at all experience levels and maintain our competitive position among the best employers in the nation. These enhancements to Penn’s attractive and equitable paid time off policy will benefit the whole Penn community by reinforcing work-life balance and well-being for new staff and long-standing employees alike.

Changes for New and Recently Hired Staff

The revised policy provides eligible, newly hired staff with five days of PTO immediately upon hire. On the first day of employment, staff members will be able to request PTO to meet their personal needs. The policy will also give staff hired on or after July 1, 2021, an additional five days of PTO if their current balance does not exceed 24 days. Paid time off accrual rates for current staff who have completed up to three years of service will increase effective July 1, 2023. See the table below for the new rates. (Note: these rates will not be applied retroactively to hours worked before fiscal year 2024).

Revised PTO Accrual Rates and Maximum PTO Days*

Other basic aspects of the Paid Time Off Policy will remain in place. *Accruals will continue to be prorated based on scheduled hours and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)%, as stated in the current Paid Time Off Policy. Eligible staff hired on or before the 15th of the month will continue to receive an accrual in the month of hire and staff whose employment is terminated on or after the 15th will still receive an accrual in the month of termination.

The revised policy will be published on www.hr.upenn.edu on July 1, 2023.

If you have questions about your PTO or managing your direct reports’ PTO, please contact the Penn Employee Solution Center online or by phone at (215) 898-7372. 

—Division of Human Resources