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
As a candidate in the University of New Haven’s graduate program in forensic science, I have found meaningful ways to get involved with the University community and connect with my fellow Chargers, despite the challenges of a long commute and the impact of the coronavirus global pandemic.
March 16, 2021
In December 2019, I received the news of my life when I was accepted into the University of New Haven’s renowned Master of Science in Forensic Science program. It was a no-brainer for me, and I confirmed my acceptance shortly thereafter.
Then came the more challenging decision: Should I apply for graduate housing at the University or find an apartment not too far from the University? After a long and thoughtful process, I decided to stay home with my parents and commute the long distance. I recognized that the travel would not be easy and that it would require exceptional time management skills.
I currently live in the town of Johnston in Rhode Island, one hour and 35 minutes away from the University of New Haven. More than three hours of my day are spent driving. To any residents or short-distance commuters, this number may look frightening, and although the drive can get repetitive, I have found that listening to music and YouTube videos in the background helps me pass the time.
This is not my first time as a commuter student. Throughout my four years of college as an undergraduate, I commuted back and forth daily. Nonetheless, the circumstances were a bit different then. We were not living in a pandemic, and I lived less than 15 minutes away from my undergraduate institution.
As such, I had the opportunity to be involved in multiple organizations, take on various leadership roles, and spend ample time with my commuter friends. Fast forward to now, socializing is on hold and groups have had to come up with creative ways to host gatherings.
Today, my extracurricular activities are limited to the Graduate Forensic Science Club, which hosts bi-weekly meetings via Zoom, and my work-study position as a graduate student assistant in the Office of Alumni Relations, which is also remote. Additionally, as part of the thesis component of my research-based program, I work with laboratory rats in Dr. Chris O’Brien’s Center for Wildlife Forensics, and I am there multiple times during the week.
There is a misconception that commuter students are “missing out” on the college experience. As someone who has commuted for multiple years, I guarantee you that is not the case. I always say that I had the most fulfilling time during my career as an undergraduate student, and I participated in everything I ever wanted to. Now, as a first-year full-time graduate student with on-ground classes, I have learned to adapt to a new environment.
I am doing my best to be involved with the University of New Haven community. To any incoming (or current) undergraduate or graduate student who is considering commuting, I suggest they meet and talk to other commuters at the University so that they may hear their experiences and ultimately decide if it’s their best option. Whatever you decide, I always encourage individuals to explore their options and try out new things.
Kathleen Gonzalez ’22 M.S. is a candidate in the University’s graduate program in forensic science. She serves as a graduate student assistant in the University’s Office of Alumni Relations.
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.