Upperclass Honors Community
Common Questions
Q: So there are two different buildings with Upperclass Honors Communities? What’s the difference?
A: Forbes-Craig is an apartment building located at the corner of, yep, Forbes Ave. and Craig St. Forbes-Craig is a University-Owned apartment building where residents have living rooms, kitchens, and do not have security desks or sign-in procedures (Forbes-Craig’s like Bouquet Gardens in that respect). Forbes Hall is a residence hall with security desks, residence hall policies, and easy access to things like campus eateries, fitness centers, computer labs, etc. Both communities will stress the Honors House concepts of mutual responsibility, community development, and intellectual/personal growth. It is likely that Forbes-Craig will be a mix of sophomores and juniors, while Forbes Hall will house sophomores and freshmen.
Q: What kinds of accommodations are available in each? Can I get a single room?
A: Regarding Forbes-Craig, the best answer to this question is available by referring to the floor plan online. There are single rooms available in triple-occupancy apartments, but NOT in double occupancy apartments (i.e. if you have one person you want to live with, but don’t want a third apartment-mate, a single is not an option). While all the triple occupancy apartments have at least one single room (if not three), they are also very popular and are almost always selected at the beginning of the process. Forbes Hall is all double rooms with adjoining bathrooms.
Q: If I apply to the Upperclass Honors Communities and don't get in, what happens?
A: The application deadline is early February. The reason it's so early is that we make our decisions about Honors Communities before the "regular" housing process begins. Applicants know where they stand in relation to Honors Housing before suite and room selection starts. This way, no one is limited by applying to an Honors Community and you’ll still have complete access to the regular housing process.
Q: What if I only want to live in (pick one) Forbes-Craig/Forbes Hall and there isn’t space?
A: We know space is limited. We continue to add space to the honors communities because we’ve had growing interest in Forbes-Craig each year and we’ve had to turn away more and more qualified candidates each year. We hope you’ll consider an alternate option if you’re applying (e.g. if you’re hoping for Forbes-Craig, you’ll also consider Forbes Hall). If you have specific questions, contact the Coordinator of Honors Housing using the information below.
Q: When are decisions made regarding who will be accepted. What are the odds I’ll be accepted?
A: The target date for acceptance decisions is February 15. Concerning the “odds” of being accepted, the level of competitiveness varies from year to year, depending on how many people apply and re-apply, however we hope by adding several new communities, we will help make this option more accessible to qualified applicants.
Q: Do I need to have a roommate to apply?
A: No. If you don't have someone you necessarily want to live with, we'll match you up with someone. However, if you plan to fully occupy an apartment, room, or suite, you will be able to choose your apartment/room/suite before those who do not plan to fully occupy the room/suite/apartment.
Q: How much does it cost? Will my financial aid cover the costs?
A: Rates vary based on the type of accommodation and can be found at www.pc.pitt.edu/housing/halls/index.html Because the Honors Houses are University housing, financial aid can be applied to the costs.
Q: Do I have to live in Honors Housing now to apply? Will I be at a disadvantage if I’m not in an Honors Community now?
A: No, and no. All students are encouraged to apply and applicants will be evaluated based on their applications and not where they currently live.
Q: Do I have to be in the Honors College or be taking Honors College courses to get in to an Honors Community?
A: No. Preference is given to applicants with at least a 3.25QPA, but there is no requirement for participation in UHC courses. In fact, there is no requirement for formal participation in the UHC. In fact, by living in an Honors House, you ARE participating in the UHC!
Q: Are the apartments furnished? What about the residence halls?
A: Forbes-Craig has couches, chairs, coffee tables, beds, desks, wardrobes and/or dressers--the basic stuff. The kitchens are equipped with a stove and refrigerator, but we don't supply the pots and pans. The residence halls have furniture appropriate for a double room or suite.
Q: What are the rules in the Communities?
A: Because Forbes-Craig is a University owned building, all the policies and procedures in the Student Code of Conduct apply, with some exceptions (e.g. signing guests in and out). Students in the residence halls will be expected to abide by all policies in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as the residence hall procedures. Additionally, because an important facet of these communities is the concept of mutual respect and responsibility for one’s community, we expect students will address concerns within the confines of the community (i.e. students will address any inappropriate behaviors by their peers, etc.).
Q: Are there Ethernet connections?
A: Yes. Each student has their own connection to the Pitt network. Each room/suite/apartment will also have the basic cable service provided by the University and Comcast cable.
Q: How will you decide who gets to live in each building?
A: As we make this year’s application available, we’re not 100% sure yet. We are constantly re-evaluating the apartment/suite selection process and it is based, in part, on the preferences of each year’s applicants. We will try our best to accommodate preferences, both for buildings and roommates, and we will certainly do our best to keep applicants informed of their status as the process continues. But right now, there are some facets of this process that we’ll have to learn as we go.
Q: Who makes decisions about applications?
A: There is a selection committee made up of UHC staff and current honors community residents. Each application is reviewed by the committee members without any identifying information (i.e. names are removed from the applications the committee sees) to provide anonymity and fairness. The committee then convenes and makes final decisions.
Q: How will we get to pick which apartment/suite/room we’re going to live in?
A: Apartment/suite/room selection will take place following the announcement of who’s been selected for the communities. We’re still developing a fair process for apartment/suite/room selection and we’ll do our best to accommodate preference while being fair to everyone involved.
Any other questions, email Eric Owens at eowens@pitt.edu