Four weeks into the academic year, a new freshman advising program seems to be earning favorable reviews from members of the Class of '89 and their proctors.

The program, which pairs upperclass "prefects" with proctoral units in the Yard, has eased the transition to College life, students said.

The prefects' job is to offer academic and social advice to supplement the proctors' advice. Proctors and freshmen contacted yesterday agreed that the prefects provide a valuable upperclass perspective.

Only 30 of the 66 proctors volunteered to have prefects, however, leaving a large part of the freshman class without the benefit of their services.

At least one prefect dropped out of the program without notice. Thomas H. Mattox '82, the proctor in Wigglesworth Hall's C and D entries, said one of three prefects assigned to his group never showed up for an introductory meeting before Freshman Week.

Despite the phantom prefect, Mattox said the program "has exceeded all of my expectations."

His two remaining prefects, Shawn H. MacDonald '88 and Timothy A. Welsh '88, organized a trip to New Hampshire scheduled for today. Welsh said the two were planning to rent a van to take eight freshmen for an outing in the country.

"Shawn and Tim have gone above and beyond what was expected of them. Considering that there is no compensation for being a prefect, it's a really impressive commitment," Mattox said.

Elisa D. Sader '89, one of Mattox's charges, shared his sentiments. "You learn that the upperclassmen aren't so intimidating," she said. "They tell you what their opinions of the courses are, and what classes their friends have liked. It's just like talking to another kid."

The prefects appear to find the program rewarding as well.

"Being a prefect reminds me of what freshman year was like. Sometimes it makes you want to be a freshman again, but sometimes it makes you very glad to be a senior," said Hurlbut Hall prefect Stuart A. Anfang '86. "In general, I prefer being a senior. One-freshman-year is enough for anybody."