Debate Over a Student Center

Administrators this spring will also determine the feasibility of moving the freshman dining area to Memorial Hall and creating other student facilities in the building. If the move is approved, it will likely be incorporated into plans to convert the Freshman Union and surrounding structures into faculty office space for humanities departments. Plans for both a "humanities center" and a "student center" will depend primarily upon financial resources, says Associate Dean of Physical Resources Phillip J. Parsons.

Although such amenities as conference rooms, student offices, eateries and even a post office might be incorporated into a Memorial Hall renovation, a final design will depend on funds and integration with the house system, according to officials.

Last spring, the University hired the Philadelphia-based architectural firm Venturi Rauch and Scott Brown to assess the feasibility of renovating Memorial Hall.

The firm, considered highly innovative, has executed multi-million dollar projects at Swarthmore College, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. The study is "almost finished" and ready for administrative review, says the architect in charge of the project.

Security Concerns Heightened

Three reported instances of sexual assault on campus renewed concerns by students and administrators over security. After a Harvard employee was raped at the Science Center in December, officials tightened security at the building, which is open 24 hours a day. Epps has also called for an expansion of the one-car police escort service, though Harvard Police has said it lacks the funds to purchase another car.

Two reported assaults in freshman dormitories led College authorities to warn all students to be more cautious in allowing strangers to enter buildings and rooms.