Public Safety is tracking a significant snowfall that will be arriving in our area late Sunday morning (Jan. 25). It will snow heavily throughout the day and evening eventually tapering off Monday (Jan. 26) with 10-14 inches expected statewide. A sleet and freezing rain mix is also possible along the shore. Temperatures will be in the teens and twenties.
Due to this significant winter storm and the extensive campus clean-up operations that will need to take place, all in-person day and evening classes scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026 have been cancelled. All scheduled in-person classes will transition to being held online or remotely. Additional information on the virtual format for each class will be provided by your instructor.
Faculty have been asked to prepare for Online or Remote sessions in the event of in-person meeting cancellations. These options will be determined by the Faculty member and all questions should be directed to the Faculty teaching each course section. Faculty also have been asked to be very understanding and accommodating of the individual situations of their students who may have difficulty managing these alternative online or remote class meetings on short notice.
Please note that only essential employees, as previously determined by their respective department leaders, should report to campus. All other employees should fulfill the requirements of their role remotely.
Campus operations for residential students, unless otherwise noted, will operate as scheduled, though hours may be modified or changed based on the conditions. Separate messages will be sent from the Peterson Library, the Beckerman Recreation Center, and Dining Services regarding any changes to their normal hours of operation. The Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation will remain open for residential students to use for study space and to participate in online classes.
Off-campus students that live in the City of West Haven should abide by the city’s parking ban during inclement weather to avoid having their vehicle tagged and towed. Please check the City of West Haven’s website for further information on their snow parking ban.
The Charger Blog
Hosted by the School of Health Sciences and WeEmbodyLab, the University’s public health research group, the Suicide Prevention Policy Summit brought together the University community, local lawmakers, and medical professionals to discuss suicide prevention strategies.
January 31, 2020
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals from ages 10 to 34 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To discuss approaches to addressing this public health issue in Connecticut, the University of New Haven convened a Suicide Prevention Policy Summit that brought together students, faculty, local lawmakers, and healthcare professionals.
In his keynote speech, Frank Fortunati, MD, JD, the medical director of Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, presented a three-step method to reduce suicide, which included limiting access to lethal means, broadening school screenings for mental health, and focusing on building resiliency within youth. He also emphasized that as a society, steps must be taken to remove the stigma associated with mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can lead to people taking their own lives.
Madelon Baranoski, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, proposed strategies such as socially condemning and criminalizing cyberbullying, instituting "tech free time," volunteering, and developing mentoring opportunities to reduce the risk of suicide within our communities.
"After attending this event, we are better able to recognize the signs that someone may exhibit when they need help."Katie Gray ’23 and Jayden Hyacinthe-Keeley ’22
In her presentation, Lillie Macias, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at the University of New Haven, revealed that risk factors for suicide differ depending on one’s gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Prevention efforts, therefore, must be both universal and individualized.
When sharing the tragic story of losing his oldest daughter at the age of fifteen, Matthew Riley, chief operating officer of Jordan Porco Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, discussed the devastating impact his daughter’s death had on his family. He emphasized that behind the suicide statistics are real people. He stressed the importance of change, including passing legislation to support suicide preventions policies.
His story really moved us because we were able to feel the pain in his voice. We learned that suicide can impact anyone, such as a friend, coworker, classmate, or even a family member. After attending this event, we are better able to recognize the signs that someone may exhibit when they need help.
Each speaker stressed the importance of not only maintaining the health of the individual, but also the health of the community. As State Senator James Maroney stated, "This is the start of the conversation, not the end of one."
Suicide is becoming an increasingly serious issue amongst our generation. Unfortunately, most of us will likely lose someone we know to suicide at some point in our lives. Events such as the Suicide Prevention Policy Summit are what our generation and our country need. Talking about suicide and depression, letting people know that it is okay to seek help, and that they are not alone is how we begin to put an end to this epidemic.
University News
New University-wide council will advance strategic partnerships, immersive student opportunities, and innovative research, supporting the University’s strategic plan the development of its pioneering Center for Innovation and Applied Technology.
The Charger Blog
Entrepreneur David Sussman, Pompea College of Business Advisory Board Member and chief visionary officer of The Family Security Plan®, is collaborating with University of New Haven students, faculty, and staff to create a program and app that helps Chargers support each other to achieve academic, personal, and professional goals. It’s called Uccountability.
University News
Vice President for Innovation and Applied Technology Paul Lavoie will serve on the Board of Directors and as America’s Chief Manufacturing Officer for the newly launched American Manufacturing Futures Institute.