Signet officers say that the club's election decisions are merit-based.

"Students are chosen essentially on the basis of their activities in arts and letters at Harvard," says Fels.

"People need to warrant election," says John H. Finley IV '92, the club's secretary. "They must have achieved something."

However, some member say that social contacts are an important part of the selection process.

Signet member Raiko Mancini '92 says that much like advancement in the real world, election to the club rests on "a combination of two things: social connections and the richness of the cultural layers of the person."

Undergraduates, associates and members of the governing Associate Board all stress the more democratic nature of the Signet as compared to the final clubs, which do not admit women and since 1984 have not been recognized by the University.

"If you accept the basis for membership, which is not social or based on class, it's not elitist in the sense of the finals clubs," says Dean of Students Archie C. Epps, an associate member.

Marius says, "the Signet was [created] for poor kids. The final clubs were for wealthy kids."

On occasion, however, says the Rev. Peter J. Gomes, Plummer professor of Christian morals, the Society's membership has not reflected the diversity of Harvard's student body.

In those cases, says Gomes, who was president of the Associate Board from 1981 to 1991, the Board's officers "have suggested that students ought to look at other constituencies" for potential members.

Dues for undergraduates range from $10 to $50 per month, and are adjusted according to the amount of financial aid the student receives from Harvard. In addition, members pay a one-time initiation fee of $125.

Suzanne Madden, the club's steward, says that only about 10 percent of undergraduate members pay less than $50 per month in dues. Dues cover eight lunches at the club per month. Additional meals cost more.

The Society relies partly on student dues and on annual appeals to alumni for funds. It also receives revenue from renting the top floor of its building to a design firm.

The organization's financial position is "secure," according to officers of the trustee board, thanks to a five-year fundraising drive initiated by Gomes.

"Every generation has an obligation to renew the investment of the previous generation," says Gomes. "It fell to my watch to take over at a time when there were serious needs." Gomes' fund-raising paid for a recent renovation and redecoration of the club's building.