As the senior class begins its long trek to Commencement, 75 seniors have declared their candidacy for the position of Class Marshal, according to Diane Jellis, associate director of the Harvard Alumni Association.

A preliminary election later this week will narrow the field of candidates to eight women and eight men. On October 10-12, students will choose among those 16 to select the final eight marshals--four each to represent Harvard and Radcliffe.

This year, 37 men and 38 women are running for the eight positions, according to Jellis. That number is down from last year's 85, which was in turn lower than 1988's 106.

"I don't think this [decline] is the current trend," said Jellis. The reason why so few students run for the positions, she said, might be that "they have to decide, after getting the marshal letter in the registration packet, very quickly whether to run."

"If this does become a trend we may decide to give the students more time to think about it and run in the future," Jellis said.

The marshals will work with the Harvard Alumni Association and the Radcliffe College Alumnae Association in planning the upcoming senior class dance and cruise and the Class Day speeches, according to Jellis. They will also help organize the senior gift drive for the Harvard and Radcliffe Fund.

The man and woman who receive the most votes will earn the title of First Class Marshals, and will chair the senior class committee, which will be composed of representatives from all 13 undergraduate houses.

Throughout the year the marshals act as liaisons between the University and seniors. At Commencement, they will lead the class processions.

After graduation, the First Class marshals, who retain their titles for life, will continue to serve as the titular leaders of the class.