Donald Woods, the South African editor who recently escaped house arrest in South Africa, will come to Harvard in June to begin his yearlong term as a visiting Nieman Fellow, James C. Thomson Jr., curator of the Nieman Foundation, said last week Woods will not have the usual responsibilities of a Nieman Fellow, such as attending classes and remaining in full-time residence. And, although the special fellowship does not normally carry a stipend, several private groups are collecting funds to support Woods and his family during their stay at Harvard.

Jameson M. Marvin, director of the choral societies at Vassar College, will be Harvard's next director of Choral Activities pending Corporation approval of his appointment. Marvin would replace F. John Adams '66, lecturer on music, whom the Music Department denied tenure in a controversial decision last spring.

Marvin, who received high marks from students at Vassar, confirmed last week that he has accepted Harvard's offer, although Music Department officials have not yet commented publicly on the appointment.