In 1994 Harvard initiated a fundraising campaign that has so far netted $1.9 billion, on target to beat its $2.1 billion goal by the end of the year.

But Merry D. Touborg, director of communications for the Office of Human Resources, disagreed.

"It's problematic anytime the [size of Harvard's] endowment is raised to support increased spending," she said. "The use of most of the money in the endowment is restricted for particular use by donors. The endowment is not a bank that [we] can go to at will."

Andrew K. Tiedemann, director of communications for the University Development Office, says there is little money for wage increases.

"Most money is directed toward renovation, increasing financial aid and fellowships," he said.

Still, the campaign organizers believe that establishing the minimum wage is feasible and that students ought to be involved.

"Students are in the most convenient position [to affect change]," Vaeth said. "We don't have jobs to lose. Some workers are afraid to be at the campaign because they might be seen. They're contracted out and are easily replaced."