Shaw students have limited housing options for the upcoming school year.
The university confirmed to WRAL Investigates that Dimple Newsome is not expected to reopen until next year. It comes after a fire shut down the dorm in February.
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A parent shared a university message with WRAL Investigates. It says only two dorms will be available to students.
“Housing will only be available in TOS 1 and 2 residence halls, with no single or private room options due to limited capacity and priority given to first and second-year students,” the message reads.
Tamira Little said her son is not sure if he will have a dorm room on campus next month.
“It's devastating news because it's his senior year,” Little said.
Shaw University’s academic calendar lists the first day of classes as August 12, with move in for general students starting as early as August 7. An email about the about limited capacity went out to families July 17.
“We have made arrangements for him to be with one of his grandparents who lives in Durham, North Carolina,” Little said. “She's in the heart of Durham, North Carolina, which means that she will probably have to drive at least 45 minutes to [the] downtown area where Shaw University is, and commute back.”
The university said it provided students with information about off-campus housing options, including properties offering special rates and promotions for Shaw students.
“The University understands that securing housing is an important concern for students and their families and is committed to helping students navigate available options,” the university said in a statement.
The university has a total of four dorms. Shaw confirmed Dimple Newsome is expected to reopen fall of 2027. Fleming Kee is also closed indefinitely. The school's annual security and fire safety report in 2024 noted was closed then, as well.
“Our priority is to ensure that each residence hall meets the necessary safety and operational standards and provides students with a safe, supportive, and comfortable living environment before it is returned to service,” the university wrote in a statement.
Raleigh Fire Inspection reports show that both Fleming Kee and TOS 1 were put on fire watch on July 10.
According to the Raleigh Fire Marshal's office, a fire watch is required when fire protection systems are temporarily impaired, during system maintenance, or under specific safety conditions.
“Talbert O. Shaw Living and Learning Center I (TOS 1) is currently under a temporary fire watch as a precautionary safety measure while the University works with its fire protection contractor to address an outstanding fire protection system deficiency. The University is actively working to resolve the issue and has been in communication with local fire officials regarding the status of the fire protection system,” the university said in a statement.
The university did not elaborate on what the deficiency is, and inspection records do not point to a specific issue.
One student told WRAL Investigates he transferred from the university due to the housing issues.
Little said she wants her family to be reimbursed for the additional out-of-pocket costs her family has incurred since Dimple Newsome closed.
“I think every parent should be reimbursed. Every parent that had to move their child, they had to leave their stuff,” she said. “It's like y'all leaving us by ourselves, you're leaving the kids by themselves.”
The university said students who will not be accommodated in on-campus housing for the 2026–2027 academic year have not been charged University housing fees.
“There are no housing costs to reimburse currently as students who will not be accommodated in on-campus housing for the 2026–2027 academic year have not been charged University housing fees,” the university wrote in a statement. “Shaw University recognizes the importance of providing students and families with clarity and support as we prepare for the upcoming academic year. We will continue to communicate updates directly to students and parents as more information becomes available.”
WRAL Investigates asked when students will be notified whether they have a confirmed dorm room. We did not immediately get an answer to that question.