Despite the his lack of direct involvement, the president said he met recently with PBH leaders to discuss their concerns.

Rudenstine also said he was "very pleased" with the resolution of the latest round of union negotiations. All of the University's major unions have concluded negotiations, Rudenstine said.

"It does seem to me that the discussions were very good on both sides," he said. "I think a high level of trust was built up on both sides."

Rudenstine expressed optimism about the one unresolved issue--benefits--that remains from negotiations with Harvard's largest union.

As part of its agreement with the Harvard University of Clerical and Technical Workers, the University established a new standing committee to discuss union members' benefits. The committee will consist of administrators, faculty and union members.

The committee aims to resolve the issue before the administration's original benefits plan begins to take effect this winter.

"One's always concerned, but at least as I see the situation, I have no reason to think that whatever is there can't continue to be worked at and resolved well," Rudenstine said.

"I think the quality of the discussions and the...instruments and groups...that we have available...are now really in quite good shape, so you never want to predict anything here, but it's certainly a good process," he added.

In other news, Rudenstine reported that he will attend the College-wide gala ball to be held on October 7.

All students and members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences have received invitations to the dance