Applicants to be the next masters of Winthrop House have been winnowed down to a short list of about six couples, members of the Master Selection Advisory Committee said yesterday.

Committee members refused to release the names of the candidates. But June M. Chan '94 said the candidates come from several disciplines, including economics, the social sciences, history of science. One candidate is also from the Divinity School, Chan said.

Naomi A. Andre, a resident tutor in Winthrop and a committee member, said a small group of students at a house meeting to discuss the search argued for a more activist tone for Winthrop. These students endorsed a lesbian couple for the position.

Andre said she was happy to hear the "commitment to diversity" expressed by students at the meeting.

It was unclear whether the couple had been included on the short list.

Winthrop Senior Tutor Greg Mobley, who chairs the committee, said yesterday that all candidates were interviewed. The committee will meet during the next week to finalize its report and its recommendations, Mobley said.

The short list will then be submitted to President Neil L. Rudenstine.

"We will present a short list of candidates about whom we are enthusiastic to the president," Mobley said. "We hope by the end of the month he will be able to announce the new master."

Winthrop House Masters James A. and Martha Davis announced last semester that they would step down at the end of the academic year.

As masters, the Davises have been noteworthy for their openness with students. The couple allow students to cook in their kitchen, hold meeting in their resident and use their piano, Andre said.

"Every Winthrop student has been in the Davis'residence," Andre said. "This is very specific tothe davis's and their style of mastering."

Members of the committee said an importantconsideration in the search was finding newmasters who would continue to be open and caringtowards students.

"Most students are happy at Winthrop and wantthe exact same thing do continue...the familyimage, the nonpretentious image," Andre said.

The committee was also looking for"intellectual dynamism, a commitment to diversity,and a personal connection with Winthrop House,"Mobley said.

The names of all candidates suggested bystudents were forwarded to Dean of the College L.Fred Jewett '57.

Jewett then asked the nominees whether theywere interested in serving. Some accepted, butseveral declined.

"When you ask students who they like or whowould be good [as house master], they would choosepopular professors who often happen to be verybusy and aren't ready to settle down as master ofa house," Chan said