"He wants to transfer at this moment because of what has recently happened," said Celeste Walls. "If he tried to withdraw from the school, they would not transfer, meaning he would have to start all over again."
Walls is concerned that if her nephew transfers to another university, his credit hours won't. Her nephew is among many students at Shaw University who were affected by the fire that occurred on the third floor of the Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center.
Freshman student Jabraye Davis told ABC11 that the hotel they are staying at is three and a half miles away. He was on campus for class on Monday.
Akilah Davis: You've been staying at which hotel and for how many days?
Davis: Best Western. I've been there for like two days.
Akilah: Is the university covering the cost?
Davis: Yes, ma'am.
Akilah: How are you getting back and forth to school?
Davis: They have a shuttle bus that runs on a schedule.
Akilah: I imagine you'll eat while you're here, right?
Davis: Yeah, because I'll have access to the cafeteria now.
Shaw University students are staying at the Best Western hotel in Garner, which is an eight-mile drive and a three-and-a-half-minute walk from campus. Their stay includes a buffet breakfast, and according to students, no other meals. There is no timeline on how long they will stay.
ABC11 spoke with freshman student Kamilla Philips, who said her resident advisor told her that students displaced by the fire would be moving into her dorm.
"I know right now they are in a hotel, but I did hear they are moving in on the first and second floor only," she said.
Meantime, frustration continues to mount for parents. Walls and her family have been trying to reach the university because some of her nephew's items were stolen after the fire. They are now demanding their money back.
"They're not eating the dining room food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He's not on campus for rooming. We've asked specifically for reimbursement and haven't gotten a response," she said.
ABC11 has learned that Fleming Kees, which is the vacant dorm next to Dimple Newsome, did not pass its recent fire inspection on Jan. 30.
ABC11 has reached out to Shaw University for comment but has not heard back.
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