Shaw University parents, students perplexed about no heat or hot water in dorms

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The red flags started for Shenequa Smith when she first brought her son to Shaw University in August for orientation. When she and other parents asked to see the inside of Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center, where their children would be living freshmen year, they were told it was being renovated. Once students moved in, nothing appeared to be new.

"You had wiring showing, dust built up like crazy," she said. "We have dirty floors that look like staining."

The final straw came when her son told her there was no heat before last weekend's snowstorm.

The university sent an email to students that stated:

Due to the anticipated weather conditions, we strongly encourage all residential students to vacate the residence halls as soon as possible and return home or to a safe off-campus location.

Smith argued that the university was not being transparent because the email was only sent to students and not their parents. She lives in Ahoskie, which is more than an hour away from Raleigh, and had to pay for a hotel for her son.

"I'm tired. You can't get them over the phone. Nobody returns phone calls," she said of Shaw officials.

The university's website said the cost of tuition for full-time students living on campus, including room and board, is $30,000 a year.

"I thought I was paying for room, board, food, and everything of that nature," said Celeste Walls.

Walls' nephew is a freshman student at Shaw. She said no hot water or heat has left him taking cold showers.

"He has to take a cold shower really, really fast, then slip on some socks and thermos just to be warm after he takes a shower," she said.

ABC11 spoke with sophomore student Kiyree Talley, who said some floors have heat and hot water, others do not.

"I switched rooms. I'm on my third room change," he said. "I definitely sleep covered up a lot. I sleep under two blankets to stay warm."

Parents told ABC11 they are worried about students' health, mental state and academic performance. This situation is causing them to question the university's finances.

"I want to know where the funds are going. That's what I want to know," said Smith.

Parents shared a note with ABC11 that students living in Dimple Newsome Hall received Monday. It states:

"Due to current space utilization needs and ongoing facilities challenges within the building, the University will begin a consolidation process to ensure we are using our residential spaces effectively and responsibly.

"What this means:

"Any resident currently occupying a room with an empty space should expect to receive a roommate.

"The only exception to this process is for residents who have been granted a pre-approved medical single through the appropriate university process.

"Room assignments and move instructions will be communicated directly by the Office of Housing and Residence Life."