Dean of the School of Public Health Harvey V. Fineberg '67 said in a statement that the deans of the University's various faculties had met with Rudenstine yesterday. Fineberg's statement said the president would appreciate notes of "support and encouragement."

"While he has been burdened by a lack of sufficient sleep over a period of months, his spirits are very good, and he is looking forward to restored vigor and to returning to his post in a matter of weeks or months," Fineberg said.

"I know that the president acceded to this decision very reluctantly, a conclusion that was forced upon him by circumstances and his doctor's firm instructions," Fineberg added.

Carnesale is already serving as both provost and dean of the Kennedy School of Government. It is not clear what will happen to either of those posts.

But Peter L. Malkin '55 said a situation such as this "was something that people were considering when the provost was created."

Carnesale said at an interview yesterday that the new Kennedy School dean could be chosen in the next month.

"I certainly wouldn't rule out something by Christmas," the acting president said. "The search will continue at a pace. This is a strong argument for not delaying it."

Charles Slichter '45, the senior member of the Corporation, said in a statement that he is eager for Rudenstine's return.

"Neil Rudenstine has been doing a remarkable job of meeting the extraordinary demands of the Harvard presidency," Slichter said. "The entire Harvard community wishes him a speedy and complete recovery. We are eager to have him back with us."

"With Provost Carnesale serving as Acting President, we know that the University will continue to have the benefit of strong leadership in the interim," Slichter added.

Rudenstine did not attend the press conference. The president was at home resting, Wrinn said.

Sources close to the president said that although Rudenstine has looked worn and tired in the recent weeks, there was little warning of the leave. In the week before Thanksgiving, the president gave five speeches in three days.

Some sources also said that this is not the first time Rudenstine has taken time off for exhaustion. He took a few days off in February for the same reason and took a similar leave at Princeton.

The president is known to have chronic back problems, but there was no indication that they contributed to his doctors' decision to have Rudenstine a leave.

"He has had a back condition that over the years has given him obvious pain," said Robert Hollander, a Princeton professor who knew Rudenstine "fairly well" during his tenure there.