Unable to address everything. Assistant Dean of Freshmen Sarah Birmingham Drummond says the FDO highlights issues during freshman week that "can't wait for a study break outreach during the year," such as locking doors or calling for police assistance.

But upperclass students say they were not satisfied with the treatment of personal health and safety issues during their Orientation Weeks.

"I don't think that Harvard did anything to improve my knowledge [of these issues]," says one junior woman. "There should be more awareness and more seriousness towards the subjects."

"More of an emphasis on what resources are available would have been helpful," says Skylar Byrd '00, who is also a Crimson editor.

On the academic side as well, current students weren't happy with the introduction to Harvard.

"[Studying] was the biggest difference from high school to college--how to go about preparing and working," says Victor Chiappa '98. "There could be more on studying."

The Bureau of Study Counsel, which offers tutoring and courses in study skills, used to give a mandatory introduction to managing workload and studying at a college level.

Bureau Director Charles P. Ducey says the workshop is no longer required because the FDO felt there was enough of a focus on academics during Orientation Week.

The Bureau now offers the option at workshop WISH (Workshop In Studying at Harvard), a two-hour event open to all first-years.

"I wouldn't mind if WISH were mandatory, but I don't think I would persuade the FDO to that effect," laughs Ducey.

This year, the Bureau also hosted an optional open house featuring its services.

Despite the reservations of current students, administrators stand by their programs. They say the two-year old "Building a Safe Community," with its focus on counseling and health resources, means first-years will know where to turn.

"We're hoping we make it clear that services are available," Frazier says.

Organizers are confident that the mosaic of events provides first-years with what they need.

"[Incoming students are] sifting through a lot of information, but hopefully the message got out," says Brandon J. Hofmeister '99, the co-chair of Peer Relations/Date Rape Education. "It may not be perfect, but the information they get is helpful."

And incoming students say the message has gotten through.

"[Building a Safe Community] was something that was necessary, though it's not anything someone's going to look for-ward to," says Carrie L. Shuchart. '02.