Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III, renowned for his seniority and his bowties, is taking a leave of absence until the end of September for medical reasons.

Epps is undergoing treatment for his kidneys after having a heart bypass surgery in August, according to a statement released by his office.

He is expected to return to work in October, the said. Assistant Dean of Student Sarah P. Flatley will assume the responsibilities of the Dean of Student Office until Epps return.

The leave does not mean that the dean will not continue to serve in his job or that he plans to retire soon, Flatley said yesterday.

"I hope people will think it's business as " around the office of the dean of student, she said.

"I'm in contact with the dean," she added. "It's not like he's totally gone."

And Harry R. Lewis '68, the new dean of the College, said Epps absence does not leave a void of authority.

"We have good coverage," Lewis said. "Sarah Flatley is quite experienced in dealing with undergraduator organizations."

He added that Associate Dean of the College Thomas A. Dingman, whose office is across the hall from Lewis' and Flatley's, "can fill in a few places."

Epps has served as clear of the College since 1971 and was assistant dean for six years before that.

He started the Harvard Mediation Service, a group designed to deal with volatile matters among students, and helped found the Luxembourg Academic Conference along with several undergraduates.

He has also edited a book on Malcolm X and co-authored a book in 1990 about the fortieth anniversary of the Marshall Plan.

He is Known for always keeping his office door open to student with questions or problems.

The statement released by Epps office said that the dean "wishes to thank his many colleagues, friends and students for their many expressions of support."