Obviously, many questions will arise about this proposal. Will Houses have the necessary resources and space for student groups? How will particular student groups be matched with Houses? Will decisions be left to the Masters, the student groups or the College? These are reasonable and pertinent questions, but I believe that together student groups, House Masters and the administration can establish a system which will take the concerns of each group into account.

The House system is a wonderful system. Its goal, to make smaller communities within a large university, is both effective and admirable. The construction of a student center was rejected, in large part, because it had the potential to draw away from House community. This is a valid rationale for its rejection.

Nevertheless, problems with both the Houses and the student groups continue to exist. Right now, student life at the college is in limbo. Will social life return to a House-based center? Or will groups further fracture as students spend more time in extracurricular activities, while turning to organizations outside of Harvard for a social outlet? I believe that it is in the best interests of both the students and the College to return the focus to House life. The results of such an affiliation would tremendously benefit the entire undergraduate community.

Beth A. Schonmuller '01 is a history and literature concentrator in Kirkland House. She is the chair of the student space task force of the Undergraduate Council.