Most masters say establishing a strong tutorial staff in one of the most important aspects of their jobs, and they also note that the issue is a hot topic of conversation in masters' meetings.

"Harvard's biggest problem is the quality of advising," says Winthrop House Master Paul D. Hanson, adding that he hopes tutors can be more than just professional advisors.

"We want tutors to whom students can go with their problem sets," he says.

According to Mather House Master Sandra Naddaff '75, the system must address the unique and varied needs of Harvard students.

After learning Mather House was about to receive a large number of "very competent" jazz musicians, Naddaff says she and her husband decided to hire a non-resident tutor with a background in Jazz.

Yet many say there are not enough tutors for special interests. Robert J. Kiely, master of Adams House, points to the emphasis Houses place on pre-professional advising for future doctors, lawyers and investment bankers. He says a focus on "traditional" careers is "shortchanging" many with other aspirations, such as future "poets and teachers."

Kiely warns against making students feel that they only have three career options.

"If that's the message that they're getting from us, then we're probably not doing a good job as a Faculty," he says.

Despite attempts to hire the most qualified advising staff, Dunster House Master Karel F. Liem says impressive credentials do not necessarily connote the best tutors.

"Some people look so good on paper, and are so disappointing in real life," he says.

To correct for this disparity, Liem says he has made dramatic changes to attract younger resident tutors at Dunster House.

"I've taken some very bold steps which may not be applauded outside the House. But I won't even look at an M.D. anymore," he says.

Liem characterizes the new tutors as "young but superb" graduate students. "These students are far more responsive to [Dunster] students," he says.

Grab Bag

While masters anticipate future dialogues--including talk about a multicultural student center, concerns about the state's alcohol policy and rumblings about a thirteenth House--last week's Council of Masters meeting highlighted a growing concern shared by many: the hope to make the House more of an academic community.