Both Armstrong and Slichter say the search process is inclusive enough that it is unnecessary for students or faculty to actually have a vote.

Armstrong quickly dismissed concerns over the lack of formal student input.

"Many, many people will be consulted," she says. "But I don't see that the kindergarten needs to run the school."

"I don't think you students need to be worried about [the search] being totally comprehensive just because you're not going to be at the table," Armstrong said. "You've got plenty of time in life to be on search committees."

Though student concerns will be solicited, it is unlikely that most will respond to the letters the committee sends out, or that the search committee members will be able to address such a wide variety of ideas.

During the last search, students started an undergraduate watchdog group called the Committee on University Practices (COUP) to lobby for more student involvement and input on the search process.

A candidate for the Undergraduate Council presidency even made more student involvement in the search a plank in his campaign platform.

Campus organizations such as Phillips Brooks House Association and the College Democrats openly supported many of COUP's demands.