"You don't want to charge dues for living in houses. That's what the U.C. term bill is for," says Eric D. Albert '97, an Adams House resident. "We pay $30,000 to go here; we shouldn't have to pay more so the house committee can do what it is supposed to do. If they have to charge dues that means that they're not getting enough money from the U.C."

He adds that he believes the council referendum should pass.

Where the Money Goes

Most houses hold two formals annually, which are often the most costly events funded by the house committees, officials say.

In fact, house committee officials say they lose money on the formals more often than they make money or break even even though students can pay upwards of $20 on tickets.

Lowell House also spends its funds on a Christmas tree, satellite television, capital improvements and student group activities in the house, according to Ware.

The Kirkland House Committee allocates its spending between three major categories -- capital improvements, social events and support of house organizations.

This year, the house committee is considering the purchase of a big screen television, Peters says. Social events include the winter and spring formals and the Stein Club.

Pforzheimer House holds a tree trimming and study breaks, funded by the house committee, says Pforzheimer House resident Francis J. Alenghat '97.

Pforzheimer House has also allocated a significant portion of its budget to the creation of a video library, Rawlins says.

Winthrop House funds an annual debauchery as well as study breaks, Louh says.

A spring 1993 Crimson survey showed that an overwhelming majority of Harvard students are satisfied with their house committees.

Approximately 71 percent of the 290 sophomores, juniors and seniors surveyed said their house committee "works fine."

But Rawlins says that more money, which the ongoing referendum would provide, can only help.

"More support for house committees can only serve to help our ailing campus social life," she says.