Weather Closure Open or Close Alert Message
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Due to the expected winter storm, the University will close campus beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. The campus will remain closed through Monday, and we expect to resume normal operations on Tuesday morning. If conditions change, we will share updates promptly. 

Campus Services During the Closure 

While most in-person activities will pause, essential services will remain available. Public Safety and Facilities will be on campus throughout the storm, and the following services are expected to remain open or staffed: 

  • Residence Halls (RDs/RAs on duty) 
  • Dining 
  • Computer Labs 
  • Facilities/Housekeeping 
  • University Operator 
  • Health Services (TBD by Director) 

Students living on campus should expect regular support from Residence Life and Public Safety. 

Classes and Work During the Closure 

Students 
Scheduled face-to-face classes will not take place on campus. At the discretion of faculty, some in-person classes may be held remotely. Faculty will communicate directly, so please check your email and course site for updates. 

Classes that are already scheduled to be fully remote will continue as usual unless otherwise communicated by your instructor.  

Staff 
Staff who are able to work remotely should coordinate with their supervisors as appropriate. 

Staying Informed 

The University’s Inclement Weather Policy is available on the WNE website via the homepage banner. We will communicate any changes or reopening details through WNE Alert, email, and the University website.

 

A Historic sign of WNE

University History

A Look Back In Time

Western New England University was founded in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1919. Begun as the Springfield Division of Northeastern College, known as Springfield-Northeastern, the University was originally established to offer part-time educational opportunities for adult students in law, business, and accounting.

In 1951, an autonomous charter was obtained to grant and confer the degrees of Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws. The Springfield Division of Northeastern University was renamed Western New England College. The present campus on Wilbraham Road was purchased in 1956, with the first building, today's Emerson Hall, opening in 1959.

Our Journey to a University

Sixty years later, on July 1, 2011, Western New England College officially became Western New England University. The change to university status better reflects our growth, our diversity, our expanded graduate offerings, and our comprehensive nature. Along with the change in the name of the University, four of our Schools—Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Pharmacy (now College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences)—became “Colleges.” Our School of Law retained its name.

Close-knit, Yet Comprehensive

Today's students benefit from a heritage born of a commitment to providing educational opportunities to men and women of all ages and economic backgrounds. The goal of the University's founders was and remains to provide outstanding academic programs with a professional focus that prepares our graduates to become leaders in their fields and in their communities. The University's beautifully maintained grounds and 26 major buildings provide an inspiring learning environment for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and law students from throughout the United States and abroad.

Renowned for personal attention and a culture of genuine student concern, the University offers nearly 50 undergraduate programs through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering. Graduate and doctoral programs are offered in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences awards the Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, along with various master's degrees. The School of Law has JD and LLM programs. Capitalizing on the unique mix of programs, the University also offers students numerous cross-disciplinary, combined, and accelerated degrees.

Western New England University takes great pride in the accomplishments of its more than 48,000 alumni living and working around the world.

Cherry blossom tree and Churchill Hall

Facts and Stats

Learn more about what makes Western New England University a great place to live, learn, or work!

Facts and Stats

Board of Trustees group photo

Board of Trustees

Members of the University's Board of Trustees give of their time and expertise to help Western New England University support its vision and mission.

The Board

Deliso Hall with parking lot behind it

History Books

Western New England's newest historical retrospective, Western New England: From College to University - A Retrospective: 1919-2011, written by former University Archivist Rosemary O'Donoghue, published in 2011.

Western New England's first history, Western New England College: A Calling to Fulfill, written by Dr. Beaumont A. Herman, President Emeritus, published in 1980.