A. I don't know that I would characterize it. It's caring a great deal about the institutions and everything that one does for it, taking quite seriously each decision, trying to maintain the contacts and communications with the individuals. Anybody that knows President Rudenstine or has worked with him, the first thing they'll tell you is how this person cared about you as an individual....

Q. Can you characterize how bad [the president's fatigue is]?

A. First of all, there are precedents where presidents have been on leave of absence before. As recently as 1987, I guess, when Derek Bok took a sabbatical leave and Professor Henry Rosovsky, dean of arts and sciences, was acting president during that period.

Secondly, with the provost as we now have it, there's a bit more continuity even than that. I mean, realize that as provost I participate in appointment meetings; I participate in discussions of the Corporation. I'm active in the Campaign. I'm active in the administrative part of it, so I don't think it's chaotic. We will miss his leadership for this period, and look forward to having him back. But I think this is a pretty large ship that will stay well on course.

Q. What's he doing at home? You said you had seen him every day. Is he bed-ridden? Is he hooked up to any machines?

A. No, he's not bed-ridden and he's not hooked up to anything. What he is tired. As a layman, non-physician, I can tell you in no uncertain terms, he was tired.

Q. How will this affect the debate about the [changes] in the faculty pensions?

A. I presume not at all. That's a process that is going on and will continue.

Q. Will you lead the faculty meetings where the issue will continue to be discussed?

A. Oh, yes, of course. We will certainly continue to discuss that. The expectations here and everything that's indicated is that I will perform the responsibilities of the office of the president. This is not a waiting period, to wait to see what happens. We will continue on course and do those things that need to be or ought to be done.

Q. Provost Carnesale, when you said earlier that you're looking for interim help for the provost job, does that mean that you are going to appoint an acting provost as well?

A. Well, that's not the only way to do it. I don't think you need to appoint an acting provost. There are several other possibilities. I mean you can imagine getting faculty members to spend part of their time to help with this. I don't know quite what the titles would be, but the thing is certainly to get help with those jobs.

Q. Do you have any one in mind?

A. No, not yet.

Q. Will the president be available for consultation? Will you be talking with him on a regular basis?