Dean Watson's departure as dean of Students will precipitate a major Administration shakeup in the fall, informed sources in the Administration said yesterday.

Watson announced last Fall that he would resign from his post this year. In January he will become director of Athletics, replacing Adolph W. Samborski, who will retire.

Archie C. Epps, Assistant Dean of the Students, will replace Wastson as Dean, the sources said.

Big Scoop

However, the sources indicated that Charles P. Whitlock, assistant to the President for Civic and Governmental Relations, would resign from his job to assume the title of associate dean of the College, a newly created post.

Whitlock's duties in the new position will include serving as chairman of the Administrative Board, which handles disciplinary matters not covered by the Resolution on Rights and Responsibilities.

The post of Ad Board chairman had traditionally been held by the dean of the College.

The sources said that Whitlock and Epps would divide the duties presently held by the dean of Students.

Official confirmation of the appointment is expected before the Fall semester. The Corporation's approval of the shift is largely a matter of form.

There was no information yesteday about possible replacements for Whitlock, who has performed the sensitive task of handling Harvard's relations with the state and federal government for several years.

Medes and Persians

In his post as chairman of the Ad Board, Whitlock will decide what punishment will be meted out to students who fall afoul of the city authorities. Recent Ad Board cases have included investigation into charges against four students who were accused of tapping a pay telephone to connect an extension into a strike headquarters.

Annoucements last year also indicated that the Ad Board would begin punishing students caught shoplifting in the Coop.

In the past, Watson's office has handied student housing, supervision of undergraduate organizations, and set rules for Harvard's final clubs.

Dean May last night declined to comment on the appointment pending official Corporation action. Dean Watson, Whitlock, and Epps could not be reached for comment.