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
A leading artificial intelligence researcher and expert, Vahid Behzadan, Ph.D., was appointed to the new Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Working Group earlier this year. He’s bringing his own expertise, as well as what he’s discovering in the laboratory at the University, as he endeavors to promote statewide cyber safety.
December 6, 2023
Vahid Behzadan, Ph.D., is passionate about the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). He regularly brings his expertise to his students in the classroom, in the laboratory, and, even, to audiences around the world through his many interviews with various media outlets. He’s now also bringing his commitment to the responsible use of AI to the state level and to Connecticut policymakers as a member of the new Connecticut Artificial Intelligence Working Group.
Particularly concerned about the potential for AI to be used maliciously, Dr. Behzadan was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the group. He acknowledges that while some AI regulations may be well-intentioned, they may also be misinformed and, therefore, be unable to fully address the possible trajectories that AI development could take as it evolves. Through his new role, he’s excited to be leveraging his expertise while engaging with these issues directly.
"My appointment is a privilege that carries with it a profound sense of purpose," said Dr. Behzadan, an assistant professor of computer science and data science. "I aim to contribute constructively to discussions with policymakers, helping to bridge knowledge gaps without impeding innovation."
The group has already met multiple times since its official establishment earlier this fall. Meetings have offered members the opportunity to hear testimony from major stakeholders in the AI industry, including policy organizations and tech leaders such as Google. Dr. Behzadan says the perspectives presented during the meetings have been "invaluable."
Excited about the collaborative nature of the task force, Dr. Behzadan believes the diverse expertise of its members will play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s AI policy and in ensuring that multiple ideas and perspectives are considered. He’s excited to share his work, including his recent AI forensics research, which, he believes, could help inform a legal framework for AI.
"I see my role as contributory, helping to ensure that our collective efforts benefit from a blend of academic research and practical, real-world application," he explains. "Together, we strive to craft policies that are as informed and effective as they are mindful of the broader implications of AI in society."
Dr. Behzadan’s role has enabled him to play an active part in the discussions, which, he says, have contributed to a "rich exchange of ideas" that endeavor to ensure a comprehensive legislative approach. He has synthesized the information that a variety of experts have presented, building an informed opinion that the working group can then use to guide its policies going forward.
"It is a delicate balance to strike," he said. "I am committed to doing this in a way that supports the responsible advancement of AI while also fostering an environment that encourages technological breakthroughs. My focus is on offering insights that are informed, nuanced, and forward-looking to craft policy that is as dynamic and adaptable as the field of AI itself."
Founder and director of the University’s Secure and Assured Intelligent Learning (SAIL) research group, Dr. Behzadan draws on his own research in the laboratory in his role with the task force. It has prepared him well, as the SAIL Lab is dedicated to advancing the understanding and implementation of secure and ethical AI systems. Researchers explore the intricate technical challenges inherent to AI security and safety, offering Dr. Behzadan a critical lens through which to view policy.
"State leaders' engagement is crucial because they are positioned to create policies that protect citizens, promote innovation, and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably," he said. "Addressing AI at the state level allows for more nuanced and localized governance, which is vital given the varied applications and implications of AI to the state’s economy and social integrity."
As AI continues to evolve and improve, its capabilities, influence, and impact also expand, bringing the critical conversations around AI to fields outside of technology, such as education and healthcare. The need for policy discussions is also increasing, as laws will have to evolve along with AI technology. There’s a sense of urgency when it comes to addressing the rapidly changing technology and role of AI, and Dr. Behzadan is eager to continue to explore this with the task force. He also addresses it with his students.
As an educator, Dr. Behzadan’s goal is to provide his students with a comprehensive view of AI – from codes and algorithms to the ethical and legislative concerns. This is especially true in the "AI and Cybersecurity" graduate course he teaches at the University. Designed to enable students to understand the technical aspects of AI security and safety as well as its societal and regulatory implications, the course prepares students to be active participants in the safe and responsible use of AI.
As a researcher and an expert, Dr. Behzadan retains a cautious optimism. He recognizes AI’s potential as a force for good in the world, but he believes its integration into society needs to be intentional. He emphasizes the need for education and understanding when it comes to fostering responsible development, and he hopes to do just that as an educator and as member of the task force.
"I recommend that we pursue a path of informed regulation that promotes the notions of transparency and accountability that are grounded in solid technical foundations," he said. "I also stress the importance of public and specialist-level education on AI, to dispel myths and to build a foundation of understanding that will support responsible development."
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.