House masterships involve an element of style.

Dean Fox says that while all masters bear "a considerable bureaucratic responsibility that most students are not aware of," there is a wide variety in the public roles masters choose to play.

When Dr. Warren E.C. Wacker, director of University Health Services, served as acting master of Kirkland House in 1975-76, he made an effort to eat in the House every day.

If, as he noted this week, the effort was not always successful, it was still an indication of style, and a cause for high expectations among residents of South House, where he will become master this July.

President Bok, of course, noted in announcing the appointment this week that the selection committee was "extremely pleased that the Wackers will be masters of South House." (Ann Wacker, the doctor's wife, will serve as associate master).

But perhaps more importantly, South House students, too, seem optimistic about the prospect of having Dr. Wacker as master.

Since 1955, Wacker has taught at the Medical School, where he is now a professor of Hygiene. He has been director of UHS since 1971, and served briefly as acting master of Mather House in 1974.

Fox said yesterday, that because Wacker is an experienced administrator, there will be no lag time while he learns to be a master.

He added that while some House residents have felt South House has not been getting a "fair shake" in the College, House residents consulted in the selection process thought Wacker would improve that situation.