The University of Virginia has approved a request by its chief fund raiser to move into one of the coveted residences on its main quad, known as the Lawn, that are traditionally reserved for academics who interact with students regularly.

Robert D. Sweeney, senior vice president for development and public affairs, will get to occupy one of the homes that were designed by Thomas Jefferson, who founded UVa as an “Academical Village” after he left the White House.

Mr. Sweeney’s move to new digs has drawn sharp criticism from his new neighbors — students, who say that inviting someone with a limited connection to the student body defies tradition. The homes, called Pavilions, adjoin Jefferson’s Rotunda building and are backed by gardens.

“This is a complete change of precedent,” said Mike Slaven, a student who lived on the Lawn, in comments to The Daily Progress, a newspaper in Charlottesville, Va. “It says this is not the Academical Village anymore.”

The university’s vice president for student affairs also lives on the Lawn. —Erin Strout