Carroll College Dorms: A Comprehensive Review of On-Campus Living

Choosing the right dorm is a crucial part of the college experience. Carroll College offers a variety of residence halls, each with its unique atmosphere and amenities. This article provides a detailed overview of the dorms, housing policies, and what you can expect when living on campus.

Live-On Housing Requirement at Carroll College

Carroll College considers on-campus living an integral part of the educational experience. All students who have not resided in campus housing for six semesters are required to live in Carroll College-owned housing. Housing options may be limited based on current occupancy and class standing.

Exceptions to the Live-On Housing Requirement

There are a few exceptions to this rule:

Students who are at least 21 years old by the first day of the Fall Semester.
Married students and/or students with dependent children living with them, as determined by FAFSA.
Students for whom living on campus represents an extreme financial hardship, as evidenced by the student's FAFSA.
Students with a medical condition that Carroll College cannot reasonably accommodate, evidenced by the medical case file and a letter from a physician and affirmed by the Accessibility Services Coordinator.
Students from the Helena area residing with their parents or legal guardian (within a 30-mile radius determined by zip code) who graduated from Helena-area high schools.
- Note: students who are granted this exception must still purchase a commuter-level meal plan; however, original need-based aid may be reduced based on lower cost of attendance.

Students seeking an exception to the Live-On requirement must submit an application each year. Approval is not guaranteed for applications for exceptions not included in the list above.

Financial Aid and On-Campus Living

Carroll College's financial aid policy reflects its commitment to residential living. Financial aid is intended to assist with direct costs for tuition, fees, college-owned housing, and board. If a student is approved to live off campus or does not enroll in campus housing, Carroll College merit scholarships will be reduced by $4,000, unless the student is independent according to FAFSA regulations.

Read also: Exploring Carroll College Library

Carroll institutional grants/scholarships will not exceed:

On-campus students = Total of tuition/fixed fees/room/board
Off-campus students = Total of tuition/fixed fees

Carroll College institutional aid is not refunded to a student but will be used to pay institutional costs incurred during the academic year it was awarded. If a student receives outside aid that specifically covers tuition and/or room and board charges, Carroll aid may be reduced. Examples include Veterans benefits, vocational rehabilitation, ROTC, etc.

Note: The original financial aid package is based on full-time attendance and students’ on-campus housing status at Carroll College. Changes to housing status may impact the original aid offer. Aid appeals are separate from housing and meal plan appeals.

Residence Hall Reviews

Each residence hall at Carroll College offers a unique living experience. Here's a glimpse into some of the dorms:

Swarthout Hall

Swarthout Hall is known as a quiet place, conducive to studying and sleeping. Its location offers the convenience of a short, five-minute walk to class. The RAs (Resident Assistants) are friendly, involved, and eager to connect with residents. For the most part, this hall is great. It is super close to the main campus and the campus center so, the location is certainly a major plus. Overall, it is pretty nice. Technically it is a freshman dorm but it is right by the main campus which it really convenient. It is clean and quiet for the most part, more so now because of COVID. With the increased rules, it is nice.

St. Charles Hall

St. Charles has a good environment. Residents describe the community as kind, open, and sharing. Neighbors are supportive and willing to help each other out.

Borromeo Hall

Borromeo is an all-female dorm with mostly single occupancy rooms, contributing to a typically quiet environment. It's also considered one of the more conveniently located dorms on campus.

Shirley Hilger Hall

Shirley Hilger Hall boasts a perfect location, connected to the student center, which is especially convenient during inclement weather. The rooms are spacious, and the bathrooms are larger than expected. The hall features different layouts depending on the floor/wing and includes elevators and stairs, plus mini kitchens on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Residents report that it's decently quiet, with minimal noise from neighbors. Air conditioning is provided in Hilger Hall. Due to the energy required, microwaves are only allowed in Shirley Hilger Hall.

Steele Hall

Steele Hall is praised for its staff and central location. It is in the middle of everything.

Kilgour Hall

Residents report that the furniture was all in good condition and the staff at Kilgour was very good.

Read also: Carroll's Career Services

General Housing Information

Room Furnishings

All living units (rooms) are furnished for resident use. Each resident is, minimally, provided a bed, mattress, dresser, desk, and chair. Lounges and other common spaces are also furnished for resident use. Most traditional residence hall rooms are not carpeted, however many residents choose provide area rugs or carpet remnants themselves.

Amenities

Laundry services are included as part of the housing fees and machines are provided in each housing facility. Custodial services are provided in all common living areas (hallways, lobbies, lounges, common-area kitchens, restrooms, etc.). It is the residents' responsibility to clean their own rooms. Preventative and reactive maintenance is provided for University Housing as well. If an issue that needs attention arises, students should contact their Resident Assistant (RA) to complete a work order.

Bed Sizes

The mattresses provided in University Housing are twin extra-long sized (36 inches by 80 inches by 6 inches deep).

Safety and Security

University Housing buildings are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Building access is granted to residents of the building using a card swipe and Pioneer Card. Living unit doors are accessed via a key that is checked out to the resident residing in that living unit. This key checked out to the residents as part of the move in process and is checked back to the University as part of the move out process. Only the residents living in a specific unit have a key to that unit. Keys are not to be duplicated. If you lose a key, it is important for you to notify Residence Life and Housing immediately to ensure the safety of your room and roommate(s).

Mail and Packages

Packages are delivered to the front desks of traditional and suite style halls. Packages can be claimed at the front desk with your Pioneer Card. Packages arriving for residents in the campus apartments are delivered to the Campus Center Information Desk.

Roommate Issues

We ask that residents who are having roommate problems notify their Resident Assistant who can schedule a roommate mediation to discuss the issues and brainstorm solutions.

Housing Policies and Expectations

Carroll College has established policies and expectations to support the health and well-being of students and the campus community. It's crucial for students to review and understand the full Student Handbook and Academic Catalog.

Housing Agreement Cancellation and Termination

Housing Agreement Cancellation refers to notification to Residential Life and Housing before a student's first day of occupancy to end their housing agreement. Eligible students may cancel their agreement and application for no penalty by 11:59pm on May 31. Between June 1 and the opening date of the Residence Halls, a cancellation fee of $600 will be posted to the student’s account (except in the case of a full withdrawal from the college).

The housing reservation and Housing Agreement will be terminated if the resident withdraws from the college during or at the end of the semester, is suspended, or is dismissed from the college or the residence halls for disciplinary reasons. Persons not enrolled in classes may not reside in the residence halls. A student must either be taking a minimum of 12 credits or get permission from the Director of Residential Life & Housing to stay in Campus Housing. The student is still responsible for any financial obligations incurred in accordance with the Housing Agreement.

What to Bring

A list of suggested items to bring to campus and to leave and home is provided to students. Please remember that this list is not exhaustive and, while many items appear obvious, it may be easy to forget items at home. Remember that some items, such as a TV or refrigerator, may be shared between roommates.

Room Condition Report

As residents arrive on campus they will complete a check-in process. Proper check-in requires that the resident sign a Room or Apartment Condition Report (RCR / ACR) that details that condition of the assigned space upon moving in. The RCR or ACR will have been completed by a University staff member prior to the residents' arrival. First year students arrive on campus according to the Orientation Schedule; returning students will arrive one to two days prior to classes beginning. Residence Life and Housing will provide more specific details and a move-in guide closer to your arrival.

Break Housing

All University Housing closes during scheduled academic breaks (i.e. Winter Break and Spring Break). Residents may request permission to say in their assigned living unit during breaks. Residents are allowed to stay for University related reasons, such as campus employment.

Community Standards

Quiet hours are time that the University expects a higher level of awareness for the respect of the community members that are attempting to sleep and study. Quiet hours in all University Housing are 10 pm to 8 am. During this time, if other residents are creating noise that bothers you, please ask them to quiet down. If the noise continues, please contact the RA on duty or Public Safety to address the issue. The University also maintains courtesy hours at all times.

Guest Policy

Overnight guests are limited to two (2) consecutive nights within a seven (7) day period with your roommate(s) approval prior to the guest(s) arrival. Overnight guests must register with Public Safety. Visitors are welcome between the hours of 8 am and 2 am.

Decorations

Residents are encouraged to make their living unit home through decoration, however there are few items to keep in mind. Decorations that have a negative impact on the community will not be allowed.

Pest Control

All living units are inspected and declared free of pests by a licensed pest contractor before students move into their fall placements. There is a pest policy that can be found in the student handbook.

Where to Find More Information

The Carroll University Student Handbook includes a section titled "Residence Life and Housing." This section includes detailed information on the check-in and check-out processes, restricted items, community expectations, guest restrictions, and many other areas.

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