Because the new dean's responsibilities extend beyond those of the dean of the college, the job requires a person with extensive academic credentials, at "a scholarly level that we don't currently have," says Radcliffe spokesperson Carolyn Chamberlin.

These new requirements render Bovet unfit for the post, according to Wilson and Chamberlin.

Bovet herself declines to comment on her ability to serve as dean of educational programs.

But students are quick to point to Bovet's years of experience at Radcliffe as more than sufficient qualification for the new job.

"I think 15 years should take precedence over a Ph.D.," Peimer says.

However, Bovet leaves little doubt about her future at Radcliffe after her term as dean expires in June.

"I will be somewhere else," she says, adding that Radcliffe has not offered her a new job. "I'm giving a great deal of thought to that, but I have nothing specific to say at this time."

Fired: Nine RCS Employees

The other significant shake-up resulting from the reorganization is the dismissal of nine employees at RCS and the scaling back of that office's services.

The Radcliffe Graduate Studies Center, a byproduct of the restructuring, will offer career programming services similar to those now offered by RCS, but will not have fee-for-service career counseling.

Chamberlin describes the decision to cut RCS's staff and services as "one of those hard choices that had to be made."

Lesser Radcliffe administrators seem particularly upset about the loss of their colleagues.

"It's very hard to separate personal feelings from my understanding and hope of how these changes will affect Radcliffe," Carty says.

Students express mixed views on the changes at RCS.

Rachel H. Garlin '96, former RUS co-president, describes her feelings as "not as strong a personal reaction.