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
Developed by a graduate student from India, a new biweekly program unites students for pertinent discussions that create a sense of community and opportunities for Chargers to build important skills together.
April 26, 2023
As an international student from India, Ruth Kameswara Rao '23 MPH has been committed to ensuring a supportive community for her fellow Chargers. In particular, she wanted to help foster a sense of belonging while helping her classmates – in particular, her fellow international students – understand and appreciate the importance of skill development.
That commitment inspired Rao to become a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) student ambassador. As part of her role, she has been collaborating with the University's Career Development Center to offer a new program called Gather & Grow. Offered every other Friday, the program is a way for students to build their skills and learn from each other.
"Students from countries such as India, Nigeria, and Nepal often give a lot of importance to grades and not skills," explained Rao. "I wanted us to be able to discuss the importance of skills, especially when interviewing, and help everyone to learn what employers are looking for."
Rao recently took part in an engaging and open discussion about global and cultural awareness as part of a Gather & Grow session. It brought together domestic and international students from around the world for a dialogue that fostered a sense of connection among Chargers.
As part of the conversation, undergraduate and graduate students shared their own experiences and how they've practiced becoming more globally and culturally aware. Kiana White '23 discussed how what she has learned in her business management classes has benefited her. She told her fellow Chargers about a particularly meaningful class discussion about not only being mindful of the golden rule – treating others as you want to be treated – but of the platinum rule – treating others as they want to be treated. She's been able to apply what she's learned as a Resident Assistant in Bethel Hall.
"We're taught to be aware and competent, and to understand the needs of the residents," she said. "Often, we come in with unconscious biases, and it's important to move past them. It takes effort and intentionality to do so."
As part of the discussion, students also shared what surprised and challenged them as they developed their cultural awareness. For many whose cultures are more formal, it was difficult to get used to calling people by their first names, instead of using a title.
The discussion, led by Anita Sebabi, employer relations manager, diversity recruiting for the Career Development Center, emphasized the importance of global and cultural awareness in the workplace as well. Sebabi not only wanted students to find common ground through the discussion, she also wanted them to recognize how much their skills will benefit future employers. Her goal is to make sure students of all cultures and backgrounds feel valued as they begin their careers.
"We want students to feel included, seen, and represented in the workplace," she said. "That also impacts a person's job performance. I have this conversation with employers. The University has a rich culture with students from around the world, and we want to ask what companies will offer to them. It's important to me."
After showing a video about global competency in action, Sebabi led a discussion about incorporating knowledge and skills to help students navigate challenges, step out of their comfort zone, and learn how to market themselves. She urged them to highlight their skills to potential employers, helping them to recognize some of the desirable skills that international students, in particular, have likely developed.
"If you speak multiple languages, that's valuable," she said. "If you study in another country, that shows flexibility and resilience. Those are important skills. You always bring something to the table. Always. Don't be afraid to use them."
This semester, the Gather & Grow series has also included discussions about teamwork, leadership, and communication. It will continue during the Fall 2023 semester as well, and it has recently secured grant funding through the University's Women's Leadership Fund.
The discussions aim to offer an inclusive and supportive learning experience to help Chargers build their skills and grow personally and professionally. Rao, the JEDI student ambassador, hopes it will continue to offer a supportive educational environment for all students, enabling them to engage in important conversations with staff and with each other.
"The point of Gather & Grow is to foster community and make connections," she said. "It lets everyone share their thoughts and their views."
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.