Carnesale said he intends to keep close contact with Rudenstine during his absence.
"I will certainly be seeking his counsel and advice," Carnesale said. "But we want to make sure that the extent to which he is involved is consistent with his rest and his being able to undergo the test."
University officials expressed confidence in Harvard's condition during its president's absence. Sources inside and outside the University said they don't believe the leave will impact the University's $2.1 billion capital campaign, an effort to which Rudenstine devoted much of his time.
Charlotte P. Armstrong, a member of the Board of overseers, said Rudenstine's absence will be a mere "temporary hiccup" to the campaign.
"So much of the important work has already been done," Armstrong said. "Potential donors won't be able to have direct access to the president for a while, but the campaign will go on its own momentum.
Jane H. Corlette director of governmental relations for health policy, said the fund drive would not suffer because of Rudenstine's absence. Carnesale will be an effective force behind the effort, Corlette said.
"I have every confidence in Mr. Carnesale and I'm sure there will be many who are willing to help Carnesale in his role," Corlette said. "There are many other people who are involved in this and are willing to step in."
Others said that yesterday they are confident in Carnesale's abilities to fulfill the president's duties.
Armstrong said the administration will be affected minimally by Rudenstine's leave and that Carnesale is the best person to take over the role of the president.
"Carnesale is a very strong leader and holds the next highest position in the University's Armstrong said. "It would be very disruptive if it were anybody else."
Fred I. Glimp '50, vice president for alumni affairs and development, said Carnesale would effectively run Harvard despite his short term as a University-wide official.
"It's more talent than the pile of experience," Glimp said. "He's an excellent man for the job."
Reardon said Carnesale's role as dean of the Kennedy School is sufficient preparation for leading the University.
"Al is an enormously effective person and there are a lot of people he has who are ready to work with him and support him," Reardon said. "The institution is very fortunate to have someone as well prepared as he is."
Jonathan N. Axelrod contributed to the reporting of this story.