Kirkland House Senior Tutor and Director of Special Programs Garth O. McCavana will resign his positions and become Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), he said in a letter to Kirkland House residents yesterday.

The move will be effective from the beginning of the spring semester.

Kirkland House Master and Gray Professor of Systematic Botany Donald H. Pfister said McCavana's change of position is "a good professional move" and that he will do "a wonderful job."

McCavana said his new duties will include overseeing orientation, fellowships and graduate student services.

He said he is looking forward to his new position but that he will miss most the "vitality of working with the undergraduates."

Kirkland House Committee Chair Mary E. Rocha '95 called his move "a loss for the House."

Other Kirkland students echoed Rocha's comment.

"He doesn't separate himself from house students. He's truly one of our members," said Lisa M. Muggridge '96.

Other students said that McCavana was adept at handling both the personal and academic problems of students.

Lisan L. Goines '95 said that when she was uncertain about her future McCavana was unselfish with his time and was a comfort to her.

Students who dealt with McCavana in his role as director of special concentrations were equally emphatic in their praise.

Ethan R. Mollick '97 said that special concentrations are "an inherently anti-social business."

"Dr. McCavana did a good job in making everyone feel welcome," he said.

"He's awesome. He's accessible and easy to talk to," said Jennifer L. Cox '95.

Although McCavana will assume full-time duties as GSAS assistant dean at the beginning of the spring semester, Rocha said that he may continue to live in Kirkland through the year.

McCavana said the House Masters, in consultation with Dean of the College L. Fred Jewett '57, will choose McCavana's successor.