Dean Whitlock and Lowell House Master Zeph Stewart yesterday announced the appointment of Janet E. Rasmussen, lecturer on Scandinavian Literature, as the new senior tutor of Lowell House.

Kenneth R. Andrews, master of Leverett House, said yesterday that Elisabeth W. Mahnke '63. Lowell House non-resident tutor is the "leading candidate" to fill the Leverett House senior tutor post, the remaining senior tutor position to be filled for next year.

Stewart said yesterday that the appointment of the new senior tutor was "definitely declared by the delay in the appointment of the new master."

Dean Whitlock and I felt the chose should have been made by my successor." Stewart said. "But we felt it was important for the new senior tutor to get to know the House."

The administration has been searching almost three months for a master to replace Stewart, who is leaving at the end of this school year.

Kenneth H. Levison, the current Lowell House senior tutor who is also leaving the University next year, said yesterday. "It was embarassing that we had to wait this long but we felt it was absolutely necessary to go ahead with the appointment."

Levison said that "it is not clear that the new master will be appointed by the summer and it is important for the senior tutor to start communicating with the students."

Andrews said that "very soon a decision will be heard about a new Leverett senior tutor." He said the "formal recommendation has not been made."

He said that he will meet with students this afternoon to receive their recommendations for the senior tutor position.

Rasmussen was in Illinois yesterday and could not be reached for comment.

Mahnke said yesterday that, if asked, she would accept the senior tutor post, but that no one "has spelled out the offer.