By grouping the programs into two separate subdivisions, the president says she can more easily realize her three-pronged vision for Radcliffe--new programs, stronger research and a reframed educational mission.

Mary V. Carty '74, executive director of the Radcliffe College Alumnae Association, praises the new organization for its logical structure.

"It clarifies the focus of the college and puts us in a situation where we can maximize our impact," she says. "It makes it easier for those of us who work at Radcliffe to say what we do."

Wilson denies that financial considerations sparked the decision to restructure, noting that the total amount of funding Radcliffe allocates to educational services will remain the same.

In fact, the restructuring will increase funding to undergraduate programs by rerouting dollars that had been previously earmarked for postbaccalaureate activities.

To oversee the REP, Radcliffe will hire someone to fill the newly-created post of dean of educational programs.

Wilson says this new dean will serve as the "intellectual and educational leader for all of the educational programs," including post-baccalaureate and graduate programs.

Radcliffe will seek candidates for the position who have experience in faculty and administration, curriculum development and distance learning, she says.

Fired: Bovet

But the reorganization will not come without its costs.

The most wrenching result of the restructuring will be the loss of Bovet, who has served as Radcliffe's dean of the college for 17 years.

Bovet's job description is some-what nebulous; as dean, she says she is responsible for overseeing undergraduate programs and resources, and "dealing with student affairs and student concerns."

Still, her central importance to Radcliffe undergraduates seemed to stand unquestioned even as late as this fall.

In fact, in a promotional pamphlet on undergraduate life published by Radcliffe's Office of Communications, no administrator receives higher praise than Bovet--not even President Wilson.

"Dean Philippa Bovet, friend and counselor to legions of Radcliffe students, should be at the top of your `people I really want to know' list," the pamphlet instructs Radcliffe students.