The so-called "Fox Plan" made the Yard the exclusive domain of first-years and cleared the 12 residential houses for upperclass students only. Previously, the Quad houses had been home to some students for all four years of college.

At the time, 700 Quad residents raised objections to the plan and some attacked Fox for being overly officious and distant.

Fox was also criticized for his decision to fine students a quarter of a semester's board for failing to inform the College of their intention to take a leave of absence before the start of classes.

Fox remained dean until 1985, when Jewett was named his successor.

During Jewett's first term, Hurricane Gloria seemed to cause more of a stir on campus than did any of the new dean's decisions.

That July, the same month as Jewett's appointment, then-President Derek C. Bok had urged the Congressional leadership to place sanctions on South Africa.

The most significant divestment protest, however, did not occur until April 1986, when 200 students built a shantytown and a 16-foot ivory tower in the Yard.

With the exception of Jewett's first term, deans of the College have had to overcome a significant amount of controversy. Their success, consequently, has not been measured as much by the events of their first term as by how they dealt with its legacy.