The University of Minnesota policy on paid and unpaid leave is given here. Graduate teaching assistants do not receive paid vacation other than official University of Minnesota holidays. The University does not recognize the time between terms as holidays.

TAs are paid to work as a TA throughout the academic year. Although the Physics Department typically does not assign TA duties after final exam grades are recorded, TAs are obliged to carry out any duties associated with teaching assistantship even if they fall during the break time.

Full time employees at the University of Minnesota, including graduate students, are eligible to accrue Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST). Information on hours earned, and how to request time is given here.