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.
Community Organizer Urges Graduates to Ensure Their Voices are Heard
Kica Matos, director of the Center for Immigration and Justice at the Vera Institute of Justice, delivered the keynote address and received an honorary degree at the University of New Haven’s 2019 Winter Commencement ceremony.
December, 17, 2019
Kica Matos speaks at the University’s 2019 Winter Commencement ceremony.
Kica Matos, the director of the Center for Immigration and Justice at the Vera Institute of Justice, told the more than 700 graduates at the University of New Haven’s Winter Commencement on Sunday that she is convinced she has been a feminist since the day she was born.
"The truth is that fighting against injustice has always fueled and motivated me, but it wasn’t until I stopped looking outside of myself – for validation, approval, and acceptance – and instead focused on the things that I was passionate about and good at that I found my voice," she told the University of New Haven’s newest graduates.
"Your degrees will open up doors for you, and they will also give you access to resources, power, and influence. Use these for the benefit of your communities."Kica Matos
Matos, who earlier this semester visited campus as part of the Bartels Lecture Series, has dedicated her life to protecting immigrant rights and inspiring young people to be engaged. She urged graduates to be active citizens.
Kica Matos was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
"Participatory democracy – the highest ideal of our system of government – requires you to step up, be active, and make sure that your voice is heard," said Matos, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. "Your degrees will open up doors for you, and they will also give you access to resources, power, and influence. Use these for the benefit of your communities."
Also as part of the ceremony, Marilou "M.L." McLaughlin, Ph.D., who served as dean of the University’s College of Business from 1981 to 1994, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree. She helped establish and manage the University’s Center for Family Business, and under her leadership, the College of Business expanded into new programmatic areas that have been vital to the University’s growth and development.
Deborah Loren O’Donnell ’20.
Speaking on behalf of the undergraduate student body, Deborah Loren O’Donnell ’20, who earned a degree in liberal studies, shared her story of perseverance. A 41-year-old wife, mother, volunteer, coach, and full-time tax and litigation accountant, she encouraged her fellow graduates to believe in themselves and to live their best lives.
"If there are no opportunities, then you can make your own – even when others tell you that those opportunities don’t belong to you."Deborah Loren O’Donnell ’20
"Greatness is not achieved by birthright, economic, or social status," she said. "It is achieved by believing in yourself and taking advantage of the opportunities given to you. If there are no opportunities, then you can make your own – even when others tell you that those opportunities don’t belong to you."
Erika Lorange ’20 MHA.
Erika Lorange ’20 MHA, a wife, mother of six, and first-generation college student, discussed her journey and the obstacles she had overcome. Speaking on the 10-year anniversary of receiving a cancer diagnosis, she said she now has a different memory of the date – one that reminds her that she has "not only survived, she has thrived." She urged her fellow graduates to follow their dreams – regardless of what others may think.
"Remember the significance of completing your degree because there is a reason why not everyone finishes: It is a lot of hard work," she said. "We can look back on this when experiencing challenges in the future and remember that we have what it takes to get through hard times. Don’t let anyone put you in a box and dictate who, what, or where you are supposed to be."
Take a look back at the sights and sounds of the University of New Haven's Winter Commencement as we celebrated our newest graduates.