The dean reminisces about the days when students and faculty could meet in the relaxed atmosphere of Harvard Square's coffee houses--most of which have been replaced in recent decades by "upscale shops catered to the tourists."

Epps also said his envisioned system would complement perfectly the "New Harvard" that has developed over the last 20 years.

Harvard today, Epps points out, boasts a wealth of small organizations that bring together faculty members, visiting fellows and students interested in a field. He cites the Institute of Politics, the Barone Center on Press, Politics and Public Policy and the Center for Middle Eastern Studies as examples.

"The intermixing of these three groups is very dynamic, and very well funded, working on domestic and international issues," Epps says.

"If the final club system was reformed in this way, including faculty, it would just be another piece of the new, dynamic Harvard."

Epps notes that his modified final club system would likely appeal to a wider range of students than those now in the clubs. And that "mixture" would only enhance the experience of club membership, he says.

"People come in to Harvard thinking they are one thing. But when they rub up against each other continue to grow," he says.

Epps says he is not sure how his plan could be implemented. While "we wouldn't see the whole system change at once," he says he could imagine a gradual change.

And considering the current focus and membership of the clubs, it might have to be a very gradual change, indeed.