According to Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68, the only exceptions to the rule that "Harvard College opportunities must be open to all students able to take advantage of them" are sports teams and choral groups--not internships.

"I cannot imagine any circumstances under which Harvard College would want to alter its present policies in this area," Lewis said in an e-mail message. "I do not think there is any justification for making some resources available to only one sex at Harvard."

A Patchwork of Programs

Trying to sort through all of Radcliffe's undergraduate programs can be confusing. Radcliffe's Web site lists a dozen "undergraduate opportunities" ranging from lecture series and study breaks to student-run groups like Education 4 Action and the Radcliffe Union of Students.

The most prestigious, competitive offerings are alumnae- and faculty-driven. Externships pair students with alums over spring break, while mentorships allow undergraduates to discuss career choices and build relationships with Boston-area graduates.

Research partnerships allow faculty members and affiliates of Radcliffe's institutes to hire undergraduates as research assistants. In addition, Radcliffe officials tout their newly expanded creative writing program.

All these offerings, with the exception of creative writing, are open to female undergraduates only.

Radcliffe's Dean of Educational Programs Tamar March defends the exclusion of men by comparing her programs to Harvard's all-male final clubs.