"My rallying cry for the last 10 years I'vebeen involved in this is more club, less frat,"Sears said.
"Harvard used to have centers for undergraduatelife. It didn't rely upon the clubs forlocations," he said. "The clubs should be clubs,and Harvard should do something to make the clubsnot the place where action is supposedly happeningwith its undergraduates."
Epps called the decision "a constructive step."He agreed with Sears that the clubs historicallywere less open, and he acknowledged a current lackof focus for undergraduate social life.
"I always felt [final clubs] had lots ofpotential to combine social life and more seriousminded things like the Signet does," he said. Eppsadded that in the past the clubs were noted for"interesting theatricals and library collections."
Grant denied that administrative opposition tothe clubs had been a factor in the decision.According to Sears, such pressure is a given forthe clubs, which are accustomed to it.
"There's always ongoing pressure from Harvardadministration. That you take for granted," hesaid.
Grant said the undergraduate members of theA.D. had been positive about the new policy.
"They're being very cooperative," he said. "Wehad a lot of support and understanding once wediscussed the issues involved. I was pleased bythe response we had from undergraduates there."
He estimated that slightly more than half ofthe club's members were present at Wednesdaynight's meeting.
Meanwhile, the news of the policy change hasencouraged other final clubs to review theirpolicies.
Owl President Andrew D. Duffell '99 said theOwl graduate president called him last night toask about the fallout for their club.
"He wanted to know the sentiment. From themembers I had talked to we were not gung-ho aboutit," Duffell said.
The Owl graduate board is holding theirbiannual meeting next Wednesday to discuss allbasic rules and policies. Duffell said this issuewill also be discussed.
Duffell said he doubts the A.D. change willaffect all of the clubs' policies.
"The Porcellian has been like that for years,"he said.Elizabeth S. Zuckerman contributed to thereporting of this article.