University Will Be Closed From Dec. 23–Jan. 1

The University will be closed for the winter break from Dec. 23–Jan. 1.

The University of Hartford will be closed from Dec. 23–Jan. 1, and will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

For most faculty, staff, and students, the winter holiday closing will begin on Saturday, Dec. 22. But the University will be open on Dec. 22 for those who have final exams or Saturday Term classes on that day. The Hawk's Nest will be open on Dec. 22 for students who are still on campus, but all other dining facilities will be closed. (See the Dining Services winter closing schedule.)

Residence halls will close for the holiday break on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 8 a.m.

Faculty, staff and students will not be allowed to enter campus buildings during the holiday shutdown, with the exception of a limited number of essential service units that have received prior approval. Please do not come to campus and request that Public Safety unlock buildings and/or offices during the break.

The shutdown will enable the University to reduce its carbon footprint and realize significant energy savings by keeping a majority of its buildings closed at reduced temperatures. Thermostats in most buildings will be lowered to about 55 degrees, except for sensitive areas. The University saved more than $100,000 as a result of last year's winter shutdown.

Faculty and staff will receive full pay during the shutdown period under the University’s paid time off (PTO) policy.

A few things to keep in mind about the shutdown:

– All University facilities will be closed from Dec. 23–Jan. 1, and most facilities will be closed on Dec. 22 (with the exception of campus buildings that are being used for final exams and Saturday Term classes on Dec. 22).

Facilities that will be closed during the holiday break include the Sports Center, the University Bookstore, the University Libraries, and University Physical Therapy, LLC. (Please note that the Sports Center will be open on Saturday, Dec. 22, for the women's basketball game against UConn at 1 p.m. and the men's game against Marist at 3:30 p.m.)

– Faculty and staff are asked to help reduce energy consumption by turning off and unplugging electrical devices. (Those who access computers remotely will need to leave their computers on). For safety reasons, it is especially important to unplug portable heaters. If you have plants that are sensitive to lower temperatures, you should take them home for the holidays.

– Since the University will be closed for the entire week, it is suggested that employees set phone voicemail and e-mail auto response to indicate that messages may not be checked until Wednesday, Jan. 2.

– Buildings will be reopened by 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2. Facilities and Public Safety will monitor campus buildings and grounds throughout the shutdown.

– Residence halls will re-open on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at noon for students who have applied for Winterterm housing. The Office of Residential Life will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 2.