In-Person Meetings for Classes on Monday, January 26, 2026 are Cancelled; Online/remote classes to be held as determined by Faculty.
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.
Music Industry Major’s Band Recognized with ‘Top Album’ Award
Carl Giannelli ’24 is a founding member of the rock band Kim Normal, and the band’s second album “Picturesque” was named one of “Connecticut’s top 20 albums of 2021” by The Hartford Courant.
January 18, 2022
By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications
Carl Giannelli ’24 (right) with Dr. Patrick Rivers and fellow student Ryan Wall ’23 at the University’s Beat-Maker Brunch.
When Carl Giannelli ’24 was in elementary school, his parents introduced him to the music of Metallica and AC/DC, sparking his lifelong interest in music. He then began listening to bands such and Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins, and he was inspired to begin writing his own music.
“It was quite the honor and very humbling,” he said. “To see the album recognized in a publication as respected as The Hartford Courant means a lot and inspires me to create more music.
“While writing the eight songs I contributed to the album, I found myself learning a lot of new things about myself, not only as a songwriter, but as a human being,” he continued. “Through writing the lyrics for songs such as ‘Plain to See’ and ‘No End,’ I gained a greater understanding and appreciation for things that were happening in my life at the time. For those songs and the album as a whole to resonate with people holds great intrinsic value for me, for which I am most thankful.”
‘I really love to share music’
Giannelli says he and his bandmates listen to a variety of different genres and styles of music, and their different influences all come through in the music they create. He describes Kim Normal as a “power trio primarily influenced by 80s and 90s indie rock while maintaining a modern, fuzzy edge.” Recently, artists such as Big Star and Cat Stevens have been informing his songwriting.
An advocate for music, Giannelli enjoys documenting and archiving important moments in music, both past and present. He is passionate about sharing his love of music – something he has already done at the University. A Charger Bulletin contributor, he has recommended music to his fellow Chargers, an opportunity he describes as “very fulfilling.”
“I really love to share music that I think is important, innovative, or just interesting to me,” said Giannelli, a member of the University’s Music Industry Club who is involved with WNHU, the University’s radio station. “When I hear about a band or record that has something special or unique about them, I try my hardest to make as many people aware of that band or record as I can.”
Carl Giannelli ’24 onstage with Kim Normal at the Space Ballroom in Hamden, CT.
‘‘Why’ music works the way it does’
Giannelli’s passion for music has also inspired his research as a music industry student. His most in-depth project began as a result of his “Introduction to World Music” course taught by Patrick Rivers, Ph.D. Exploring Norwegian black metal, a genre he describes as “misunderstood in America for decades,” Giannelli focused his work on bands from America and the United Kingdom that influenced the movement. He learned about how Norwegian musicians reinterpreted these bands for their own creative endeavors.
“It was interesting to learn how black metal was essentially formed out of these artists' love for traditional heavy metal, including Motörhead, combined with U.K. punk rock such as G.B.H.,” he explained. “My hope was that I was able to demystify the genre to a certain extent, which I believe my research did. It has given me the ability to discuss this genre with other listeners and give them a new appreciation for it, which is truly great.”
Giannelli is looking forward to going on tour with Kim Normal when it is safe to do so, as well as working on new material. In the meantime, he is focused on continuing to develop as a musician and as an advocate for – and student of – music.
“Studying music industry has helped me continue to develop as a listener and musician alike,” he said. “I had the chance to start taking courses with Professor Adam Caress last year, and his wisdom about the music industry has been more than helpful as I continue to navigate the industry myself.
“I have also been really proud of my growth in understanding music theory, thanks to Professor Albert Celotto,” Giannelli continued. “His mentorship has made it possible for me to understand ‘why’ music works the way it does, which is invaluable for me.”