University responds to questions of student safety

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Several University of Dayton students worried that their floor was about to collapse Tuesday evening.

They live at 218 Kiefaber Street and called firefighters around 5:30 pm, fearing that their living room floor was collapsing into the basement.

Firefighters investigated and did find a crack in the floor, but concluded that it was not a hazard.  The students were allowed back inside after about an hour.

This incident comes on the same day that university leaders announced a new occupancy limit in its student housing.  The warning comes after two recent incidents where large numbers of people inside a UD-owned property saw floor damage as a result of too much weight.

A letter sent to upper classmen Tuesday says in part:

"Upper class students who reside in University-owned houses and apartments will receive notices of occupancy limits for their particular residence later this week. Effective immediately, your housing contract will be amended to include these occupancy limits. These limits have been developed based on the recommendations of a structural engineer, and the limits will vary by structure."

The university says the tenants of one of these houses must manage the number of people inside the structure at one time.  It also cautions students to not enter a house that appears to be overcrowded.

Students will be held accountable for failure to comply with new occupancy limits.  They could be held financially responsible for any damage that might occur.

Students should expect their occupancy limit notification in the mail later this week.

University officials told 2News there are 390 University-owned houses on campus.  All of which are inspected on an annual basis.