Knowles, like Rudenstine, gets involved when there is a crisis in the College. Knowles can also affect undergraduates by setting academic policy in his work with newly-appointed Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education Lawrence A. Buell.

Buell, a scholar of transcendentalist literature who came to Harvard two years ago, enters his new post this summer. A tough task lies ahead for Buell, who has a slate of issues to tackle ranging from advising to curriculum-all of which need attention desperately.

The College

It takes a while to get down to the level of the accessible administrator. And by the time you reach it, you're far away from the so--called powers that be.

Harvard's lesser deans are in charge of making sure your quality of life is acceptable. The College deals with mundane undergraduate concerns such as discipline and housing.

At the top is Dean of the College L. Fred Jewett '57. Jewett always looks like he is about to fall asleep, even when he is eating. He wears rumpled, baggy suits. But don't be deceived by his comfortably disheveled appearance.

Jewett sits at the head of the 25-member Administrative Board, which disciplines undergraduates guilty of "conduct unbecoming of a Harvard student." You don't want your first encounter with Jewett to take place at an Ad Board hearing.

Before you graduate, be sure to drop by the Thursday afternoon office hours of Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III. There, you'll be able to bask in his distinctive accent and unique taste in clothing. The dean, who also has a top-notch singing voice, appears to be particularly fond of bow ties, hats and red carnations.

Epps is in charge of a variety of tasks ranging from officially recognizing student organizations to bailing undergraduates out of jail.

Both Jewett and Epps are facing particularly busy years. You may glimpse Jewett wearing a hard-hat while striding through the Yard--he's in charge of the $70 million dorm renovation project. Epps, recently placed in charge of race relations in the college, will have his hands full with that evertense issue.

Hilda Hernandez-Gravelle, the college's first-ever assistant dean for race relations and minority affairs, addresses questions and complaints about racial discrimination. Many undergraduates will also meet Janet A. Viggiani, the College's assistant dean for co-education. Viggiani deals with sexual harassment and gay and lesbian issues, but she is usually willing to talk about anything.

Next year, Yardlings will have a brand-new dean of first-year students, Elizabeth S. Nathans. The former Duke University associate dean has said she plans to modify Harvard's first-year advising system so that students take better advantage of the resources available.

If food is your primary concern, you should talk to Harvard Dining Services Director Michael P. Berry. Berry, known to many students as the "Mealtime Messiah," has dramatically improved the dining services in his year and a half at Harvard. He is legendary for eliminating the dreaded "baked fish pizziola" and for introducing such novelties as premium entree night and make-your-own Belgian waffles.

Radcliffe

And then there's Radcliffe

Radcliffe originally provided women undergraduates with housing, supervision and access to a Harvard education. But when the two colleges conducted their "non-merger merger" in 1973, Radcliffe relinquished its responsibility for daily undergraduate life.

Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson has a vision of sorts for Radcliffe's future. She wants to expand the institution's fundraising abilities, develop it as a center for scholarship, increase contact between undergraduates and researchers and move the school into "the public policy arena."

Unfortunately, Wilson's goal may further decrease Radcliffe College's role in undergraduate life. At any rate, Wilson will likely remain one of the administrators with the least influence on students.

And Radcliffe will likely remain just an additional word on female graduates' diplomas.