The first 100 days of a U.S. president's term are traditionally used as a barometer of the future efficacy of his administration--a chief executive who takes advantage of his "honeymoon period" to enact important policy initiatives is thought to have a good shot at future success.

If the "100 days" aphorism holds true--and applies to Undergraduate Council presidents--then Paul A. Gusmorino `02 seems to be in good shape.

Council members say Gusmorino has helped the council make unprecedented progress over the course of the spring term, which, fittingly, was just about 100 days long.

Even programs that Gusmorino did not run himself, they say, were catalyzed by his leadership and oversight.

Gusmorino and his vice presidential running mate Sujean S. Lee `03 campaigned on a four-part platform designed to "improve student life, stand up for students, save students money and enhance students' academic experience"--and they have seen considerable results.

Bettering Student Life

As part of the first platform plank, the Gusmorino-led council worked to have the College extend party curfews by one hour on weekends.

Brian R. Smith`02 led that effort. Along with other members of the council's Student Affairs Committee (SAC), he conducted a survey that showed an overwhelming majority of undergraduates favored extending official party hours from 1 a.m. until 2 a.m.

SAC members then spoke with House masters and administrators at meetings of the Committee on House Life (CHL) to negotiate for the new curfew.

Pending the resolution of logistical concerns, CHL recommended that the Houses allow House-sponsored events to last an extra hour come next year.

Since private, room parties can often run past 1 a.m. if they remain quiet, council members declared their efforts a victory for the council, though they say a new room party curfew is in the works.

The council also helped create the Harvard Concert Commission (HCC), which was responsible for bringing hip-hop bands The Roots and The Black Eyed Peas to Sanders Theater in February.

Lee co-founded HCC and oversaw its incorporation into the council's constitution and by-laws, making it a fixture within the council.

HCC's first concert was held without council input and made possible by financial contributions from the council and the administration, but future concerts will be under council jurisdiction--it can approve the band, for instance. Lee says HCC is also striving toward financial independence through its own fundraising efforts.