University of Tampa cracks down after more ‘large gatherings’

TAMPA — University of Tampa officials are cracking down further after they were made aware of large off-campus parties over the weekend.

Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Stephanie Krebs sent an email to the University of Tampa community Monday stating the administration was aware of “several large gatherings” that took place off-campus and will work with campus safety and local law enforcement to identify the hosts and attendees.

Students could face disciplinary action including “interim suspension” until their cases are resolved.

“We recognize that the majority of students support the Spartan Shield Health and Safety plan, and are acting in proactive ways to protect themselves and others,” Krebs wrote. “Our ability to remain safe and in-person as a UT community depends on each one of us, and this requires zero tolerance for creating environments that endanger the health of our community.

Last week, the university “interimly suspended” some students involved in a large on-campus gathering in a residence hall.

University spokesman Eric Cárdenas said the university was made aware of the parties by other students who reported them, but due to “confidentiality and practicality,” the university cannot divulge the number of students involved.

Cárdenas said the university is working with Tampa Police Department.

Spokeswoman Jamel Laneè said the Tampa Police Department responded to one complaint this weekend about a large gathering at a house on W. Lasalle St. with several dozen people, though when officers arrived “there was nothing found.” Laneè said she is unaware of other such complaints her department is investigating.

The semester began Wednesday with mostly in-person classes. Starting Friday, the university began reporting cases that test positive at the Dickey Health and Wellness Center or those who self-report on its website. On Friday, four students and one faculty member tested positive.

Krebs’ email said the university encourages members of its community to report incidents that violate the school’s policies at www.ut.edu/incidentreport.