When the first big snowstorm of the year hit Quinnipiac University’s campuses, it resulted in two virtual class days and students eager to enjoy the snow.

On the nights of Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, students learned that the university would be operating remotely the first two days of the week following a campus-wide containment period.

Anxious to entertain themselves, students were seen sledding anywhere there was an incline. Spare dorm mattresses, pizza boxes and storage lids were used as makeshift sleds, however, the university is investigating students who used the university’s property outdoors.

With more snow in the forecast, many students and universities are considering safe ways to enjoy the powder.

Several residential assistants emailed their residents about the use of Quinnipiac-owned mattresses as sleds, but Associate Vice President for Public Relations John Morgan declined to comment on the university policy on mattress sledding.

Melissa Kaplan, interim director of the University Honors Program and professor of English, said her family took full advantage of the winter weather.

“We tend to jump at any opportunity to get the children out of the house and exercise,” said Kaplan, a mother of a 13-year-old and a 10-year-old. “Because their schools are no longer having snow days, they each had virtual classes until the afternoon. Fortunately, their teachers took advantage of the snow to incorporate it into their lesson plans. As soon as the school day ended, they grabbed the dog and headed across the street to the park to go sledding.”

Sledding on campus might not be the safest way to enjoy a snow day at Quinnipiac because most students don’t have a real sled on hand. A safer way to take advantage of the winter weather would be to participate in Quinnipiac’s university-wide snowman building competition.

“Students, staff, faculty and their families can submit snow creations to be judged,” a Feb. 2, email from the university read. “Four Amazon gift cards, each worth $25, will be awarded to winners in the following categories: best traditional snowman, best snow creation, most creative and most Bobcat spirit. The winners’ snowmen will be shared across Quinnipiac social media and on MyQ. Present submissions can be viewed here. The winners of the competition will be determined after Feb. 24.”

Robert Schroeder, a first-year psychology major in the 3+3 law program and self-proclaimed “child at heart” thinks it’s important for students to get outside and enjoy themselves when possible.

“Especially coming out of containment,” Schroeder said. “It is a great way to relieve stress and forget about everything going on in the world.”

Mason Glod, a first-year undeclared major in the School of Communications echoed Schroeder.

“I had such a good time (outside) with my friends!” Glod said.

Hamden received three to five inches of snow on Sunday, Feb. 7, and a few more on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Kaplan suggested the university should make options widely available to students for snow play, especially during the pandemic.

“The benefit of winter is that it makes staying safe much more convenient since you are already wearing gloves and covering your face to stay warm,” Kaplan said. “It would also be a great idea if QU were to partner up with a local outdoor recreation shop or facility so that students could rent snowshoes and cross-country skis for the day. The back trails on Sleeping Giant are ideal for snowshoeing, and the Farmington Canal Trail is ideal (for) people who are new to cross-country skiing.”