Here’s what you should know about winter recess on the Pittsburgh campus

Whether you're a student planning travels home or a University employee preparing to celebrate the holidays here in Pittsburgh, there's plenty to get done this month. Make sure you're prepared for modified schedules and closures around campus with our guide to winter recess.

The break for students begins on Dec. 14 and lasts until classes begin on Jan. 12. Staff and faculty recess starts Dec. 24 and last until University buildings and offices reopen on Jan. 5.

Here's what you need to know:

Panther Central: Panther Central will only be available remotely via phone or chat Dec. 15-23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and will be completely close starting Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. Beginning Jan. 5, the office will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., resuming its normal 24/7 work schedule Jan. 10 at 6:30 a.m.

Mobility, transit and parking: The mobility office closes on Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. and reopens Jan. 5 at 8 a.m. Limited shuttle service will be offered Dec. 15-23 and Jan. 5-9, with no service Dec. 24-Jan 4. Service will return to normal on Jan. 10. Soldiers and Sailors Garage, Sennott Square Garage, Panther Hollow, the Assembly Garage and the OC lot will all be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1.

Dining: Dining locations have modified hours for the winter recess - see Pitt Eats' website for schedules.

Student unions: Student unions will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 15-23 and closed Dec. 24-Jan. 4.

Health: Pitt's Student Health Services clinic and the University Pharmacy will be open on a modified 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. schedule Dec. 15-23, with telehealth and virtual options only Dec. 22-23. Both services will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 4.

The University Counseling Center has the same modified hours Dec. 15-23 and will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 4. Students can continue to call the center at 412-648-7930 for 24/7 urgent, crisis support.

Recreation and wellness: The Recreation and Wellness Center will begin modified break hours on Dec. 12. Visit the Campus Recreation website for daily schedules.

Human resources and timecards: For the week of Dec. 14-20, timecards must be submitted and approved by noon on Friday, Dec. 19. The Office of Human Resources will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 2, but you can still submit an online request.