If students at Casper College have to vacate their on-campus apartments, they might receive some financial help for the move.

Students living in the campus's family housing, Wheeler Terrace Apartments, found out Monday night that they would have to find new homes in May. The college has renovated seven of the 18 apartments in the past five years.

With students leaving or graduating, Wheeler Terrace will have the fewest number of residents at the end of this year, said Joanna Anderson, vice president of student services. She estimated the construction would affect seven families and that the low number of occupants presents an opportunity to update all the units at one time.

The apartments are the only option for student-parents or married students. After renovations, the apartments would house two or three students, eliminating on-campus family housing.

The college board of trustees planned to vote on the change on Tuesday night but decided to wait until its meeting in December. Trustees discussed whether the seven families could live in the already renovated units during construction, but concluded safety risks were too high. Trustees said they wanted more time to look for ways to help the families find suitable housing.

Ron Allen, a Wheeler Terrace resident and full-time student, suggested that the board consider awarding students a scholarship to help them prepare for the move.

"The last time I moved, it cost $300 -- money I didn't have -- for gas, all the little things you don’t think of," Allen said. "Thank god for the credit card."

The two-bedroom apartments rent for $500 a month, including all utilities. Many apartments require a deposit and rent for the first and last month of occupancy. Students would also be responsible for utility deposits and transportation to and from classes.

The students were given information about where to find housing and housing assistance but said they've run into problems already. Some students do not have additional income outside of federal financial aid, which might disqualify them from receiving a low-income tax credit or other assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There might be money in the college foundation that could be used for the students, said Walter Nolte, president of Casper College. The college faces another housing problem at the end of the year when it plans to tear down McIntire Hall and build a new residence hall. The new building would open in fall 2011, leaving 135 students without on-campus housing. Options include subsidizing rent or contracting with hotels.

"We’re going to have to house them somewhere whether its in this building or in my house," Nolte said.

The board meets again at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Strausner Student Center.

Reach education reporter Jackie Borchardt at (307) 266-0593 or at jackie.borchardt@trib.com. Read her education blog at tribtown.trib.com/reportcard