Mukesh Prasad '93, a member of the student committee, says Nathans was the "first person to receive an offer."

Nathans was one of six candidates recommended by the student committee, but the committee did not rank the candidates, he says.

Mackay-Smith, who was also former assistant dean and proctor, was also under consideration for the post. Nathans says Mackay-Smith would be a great asset to the FDO in the upcoming year.

"I certainly hope she stays with the FDO in a very senior capacity," Nathans says. "I think her expertise would be very helpful, especially during the transition period."

Jewett says he "shouldn't comment" on whether Mackay-Smith will remain in the FDO next year, but he "very much hope[s] she stays within the University wherever she can be the most effective."

Aside from improving the advising system, Nathans declines to discuss the specifics of the new first-year program. She says she needs to meet with her new staff before commenting on strategies for the fall.

"It would be inappropriate for me to talk about those plans because I haven't met with my staff yet," says Nathans, who will formally take over in July.

Nathans has already contacted the student committee writing recommendations on first-year life. Prasad says he was encouraged by his early conversations with the new dean.

"We were impressed with her qualifications in the advising field, which was one of the things we were most looking for in the candidates," says Prasad.

"Also, she is very eager to hear students' views, which was very pleasing to us," he says.

The committee interviewed upperclass and first-year students at length throughout the year, examining areas of first year life that students believe need improvement.

The committee's report will address issues in four major categories: academics, advising (the proctor system), social life and special programs.

The last category includes programs in expository writing, sophomore standing, first-year seminars, prefects and housing integration, says Prasad.

Prasad adds that the committee is considering a student-run Freshman Council that would plan social events and bring student concerns directly to the dean and other administrators.

Prasad recently sent a preliminary report to Nathans and the committee's members will work on the report during the summer. The committee will hold debates in September before preparing a final draft for Nathans.