Some upset over new on-campus housing policy at University of Tampa

Upperclassmen at the University of Tampa are upset over the school's new on-campus housing policy.

"Together we're getting the short end of the stick," said junior Megan Togher.
 
Next school year, the new UT students will be the ones getting preferential treatment when it comes to on-campus housing.

Juniors and seniors will have more limited options, some may not be in the same space they're in now.

"I want to live on campus. I love the community, but my parents said if I don't get housing on campus I can't come back," Togher said.

"The basic goal of the process is to ensure our students that need the most support and developmentally need to be closer to campus are able to do that," said Jennifer Scaia, Associate Dean of Student Conduct.      
       
An online petition was started soon after the new housing plans were announced.  It has more than 1,300 signatures.

"Our continuing students, many will continue to remain on campus. We have a number of residence halls for upper class students but we'll also have an option for upper class students to be in a university-affiliated property which is the Barrymore hotel," Scaia said.

The new plan goes into effect in the fall of 2016.