"We are working hard to talk about usage/attendance of OCS programs with students (and often with parents as well) in the large group presentations that we deliver," Wright-Swadel wrote.

Among other measures, OCS has also placed additional emphasis on ensuring that its career panels and presentations include women.

"OCS will continue to monitor the data to evaluate our progress on this issue; we will continue to speak with students to learn more of the 'reasons why' the disparity exists in certain programs..." Wright-Swadel wrote.

Plans of Action

The FAS report on the status of women confirms that Knowles has also asked a small group of alumnae to work with him to create a plan that will address the issues raised in the seven focus groups.

This 41-member Task Force on Women and Leadership held its first meeting in November and agreed that two areas require concentrated attention--fundraising and alumnae relations.

The Harvard College Fund, which handles annual fundraising for the College, has also initiated a reassessment and planning process this year, according to the report.

Diana L. Nelson '84 was recently named chair of the Harvard College Fund Women's Task Force, a committee looking into ways to increase women's involvement in the Fund