"We're not at the fact stage," Wilson said lastMonday.

Asserting the importance for the Board ofTrustees to conduct talks privately "even if it'suncomfortable for the rest of us," Radcliffe VicePresident for College Relations Bonnie Clendenningsaid the six trustees who are elected by RCAAensure that alumnae interests are represented onthe 29-member board.

McIntosh felt "personal angst at not having aseat at the table," Clendenning said. "But howmany people can you fit around a table?"

While Eaton acknowledged that alumna members ofthe Board of Trustees represent the RCAA, she saidthey have been instructed not to communicate withalumnae--undermining the purpose of the democraticprocess.

If Scheerr does not respond to RCAA by thefirst of next week, "we'll do what we need to do,"Eaton said.

With "lots of potential for sources ofleverage," RCAA is an "important constituency" toheed, bearing both financial and human resources.

Not extending the dialogue to alumnae has been"more than a little bit surprising and painful,"Eaton said. "Peopl