Faculty and staff will receive an additional holiday, according to a Thursday news release.

The nonrecurring, “floating” holiday may be taken any time between now and June 30, 2011. It will not apply to employees working in UK hospitals, clinics, College of Medicine clinical departments, University Health Services and UK HealthCare corporate areas. Improving financial conditions will enable UK HealthCare to fund annual merit increases, effective October 2010, for employees in those areas, according to the news release.

“This special arrangement is provided for our campus staff, for whom we were unable to provide merit increases this year,” UK President Lee Todd said in an e-mail to university employees. “While I wish we could do more, this special holiday and the recent one-time payment are given in appreciation of your hard work and dedication.”

Employees in regular positions employed on or before Sept. 1, 2010, with a full-time equivalent of 0.5 or greater are entitled to receive the holiday at their regular rate of pay.

“Wherever you work across the university, I want you to know we appreciate your efforts,” Todd said.