But the gap has narrowed as other employers upped wages. Sunderson says University Dining Services and the University Library, two of the biggest competitors for workers, now pay their workers about as well as Dorm Crew does.

And there's no competing against summer jobs in computers and technology, which are plentiful in today's surging economy.

Now that more students can find lucrative work during the summer, Homer says, they are less likely to choose manual labor when they return to Harvard.

Saving the System

The problem is more extensive than simply dirty bathrooms, Homer says.

She fears that without younger students joining Dorm Crew, the agency may be permanently crippled.

"If the economy turns around and students really do need more high-paying jobs, it's going to be hard to beef up again," Homer says. "A lot of the positive force in Dorm Crew comes from students working on it freshmen year and becoming managers in subsequent years...That's what keeps it going."

Sunderson says Dorm Crew is discussing solutions with Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO), the administrative division responsible for upkeep of housing.