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
When Christopher Spoldi ’11, a North Haven, Conn., firefighter, was recently promoted to the rank of captain, he was surprised and touched to see several familiar faces at the ceremony: his students. He says their support reflects the closeness of the University’s paramedicine program that “feels like family.”
February 28, 2023
Christopher Spoldi ’11 always knew he wanted to pursue a career in public service. The son of a career firefighter, Spoldi says he “practically grew up in a firehouse.” He has since followed in his father’s footsteps, and he’s helping to educate the students who he will work beside and who will follow in his footsteps.
Spoldi, who has a background in firefighting and paramedicine, is also an adjunct paramedicine professor at the University. A member of the North Haven Fire Department, he was recently promoted to the rank of captain. The promotion ceremony was made even more meaningful for him because several of his students attended to show their support.
“I take pride in the department I work for, and I love the people I work with,” he said. “I enjoy being able to serve the community day in and day out. Having the students show up was a heartwarming surprise. The paramedicine program is made up of students from all over, and they have been working together since they started the program. This was a prime example of how close-knit the group is and how the program feels like family.”
A graduate of the University’s fire science program, Spoldi developed a respect and appreciation for the fire service at a young age. He started volunteering as soon as he was old enough, and he loves the feeling of knowing he’s made a difference. He also enjoys the camaraderie he’s developed with his colleagues, and he says they’ve become like family.
Spoldi’s first job in the field of public service was actually in emergency medical services. He began serving as an emergency medical technician when he was 19 years old, working in an ambulance and gaining important field experience. Becoming a paramedic was also a way for him to set himself apart from other candidates as he prepared for a career as a firefighter.
Spoldi soon found he loved being a paramedic. He went on to work for several commercial companies, often working alongside area fire departments as they responded to emergency calls. His experiences helped him build the skills and knowledge he needed to excel as a paramedic – which he now brings to the classroom at the University.
“We engage in discussions related to the complex calls they are going to respond to, and I try to expose them to the different types of systems that are available to paramedics,” explains Spoldi, whose mom, Lucille, is assistant to the director of purchasing at the University. “This way, they are better prepared for the options they have available to them after they graduate.”
Spoldi has fond memories of his own time as a student, citing the myriad relationships he formed as especially beneficial. He also learned about the importance of networking and continuing his education. He’s excited to now be helping to create a similarly transformative experience for current students and future public service professionals.
“What I enjoy most about teaching at the University is being able to give back and help a new generation reach their goals,” he said. “I remember what it was like to sit in their seats and the stress that could come with being a student. There are many professors who I considered influential in helping me get started on my career path, and being able to do that now for these students is quite fulfilling.”
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.