He also relishes the opportunity "not to be constantly working with a new group of students." But he adds that one of the things he will miss most about his old job is "the closure and fulfillment that you come to once a year" when the admissions process is completed.

As dean of the College, Jewett says he hopes he can establish a sense of community at Harvard, one marked by "communication, cooperation, and contact."

"I'm hoping that we can have a community that can tolerate a lot of concern and views about a certain issue without developing hostilities," says Jewett.

But not everything will be fun and games. Tossed into Jewett's lap as he enters office are the $27 million Quad renovations, controversy surrounding the recently-reactivated Committee on Rights and Responsibilities, and an ever increasing wave of campus protest against University investments in South Africa.

Fox says many of the issues facing Jewett are ones that he, too, faced when he took over the job from Charles P. Whitlock back in 1976. "I don't think he needs any advice, though," says Fox.

Jewett certainly doesn't think so either. For while he is uncertain how people will react to him, he is certain that his primary goal is to develop a good relationship with students.

Indeed, Jewett has spent a good deal of time getting to know students. For many years, he has served on the College's Administrative Board. Currently an associate of Quincy House, the Taunton, Mass. native has also spent time getting to know undergraduates who aren't facing disciplinary probation.

He says he will continue to live on or near campus. And, given Fred Jewett commitment to Harvard and its students, you can be certain of that.