In an interview after his testimony, Rudenstine said that it was his understanding that the commission was planning to deliver a preliminary report on December 11 and ask for an extension to provide a more in-depth analysis.

Troutt said, though, that the commission is committed to submitting its report on December 11, but will probably provide a more technical report 60 days later.

"It's a very ambitious task and we're aware of that," he said.

Rudenstine's other major point during his 45-minute remarks was to encourage the preservation of the educational breadth of American universities.

"If we were to let the study of Classics wither away, or the study of Sanskrit fade into oblivion, what would be next? Archaeology? The Renaissance? Buddhism? Or perhaps the Industrial Revolution, which in today's high-tech information age might strike some people as something close to ancient history?" Rudenstine asked.

Rudenstine cited East Asian Studies as an example of the importance of preserving what may at some points in history seem obscure subjects. Harvard was investing in these studies more than a century ago, though only a handful of students cared enough to concentrate in this area.

Today East Asian Studies is one of the most highly subscribed concentrations and one of most pressing areas of international concern, Rudenstine said.

Despite the financial concerns that were his focus, Rudenstine repeatedly underscored his belief in the fundamental excellence of American high education.

"By all accounts, our product and our perceived quality is not in trouble," he said.