"There's wasn't a definite agreement, but I can't imagine the masters won't take [the House Committee vote] into account," Seton says.

Masters' Minds

Although student opinion seems to favor universal access, support does not yet seem to be unanimous.

When the Kirkland House Committee voted on the issue, a final tally of 10-7 revealed only a slight majority of support for 24-hour access, according to Benjamin A. Lanson '00, former chair of the Kirkland House Committee.

Without overwhelming support from the House Committee, Kirkland House Masters say they are not yet ready to endorse universal access because they want to be sure that no students will feel uncomfortable with increased accessibility into the House.

"Masters must bear in mind the interests of all their House residents, including those students who do not favor universal keycard access," says co-Master Cathleen K. Pfister. "House Committees may not necessarily represent such students' legitimate concerns. I have always been ambivalent about the issue."

Lewis said ultimately nothing can be determined until the House Masters meet on Wednesday, and discuss the remaining concerns.

"Nothing affecting the Houses so importantly can work without substantial support from the Masters," Lewis says.