The men and women who hold Harvard's future in their hands will be under continuous scrutiny over the coming months as they choose the next president of the University.

And if the last presidential search is any indication, the nine-member search committee will face much criticism for its composition and secretive manners. During the search that culminated in Rudenstine's appointment ten years ago, students protested both their lack of participation in the process and the secrecy.

Other critics assailed the committee for its lack of diversity and the high proportion of members involved with the financial world.

And while it is too early to say how students will react in the fall, history shows that many will be vocal in their opposition: The demographics of the current search committee are almost identical to the 1991 committee, and the process promises to be as secret as ever.

The Players

Comprised of the six Harvard Corporation members other than Rudenstine and three members of the Board of Overseers--the same composition as the 1991 search--the committee will likely come under attack for the same reasons it did 10 years ago.

Once again only two women and one ethnic minority will serve.

The average age of committee members is over 65 and, as before, no students or faculty members will formally take part in the decision-making process.