If it can't be decided in a meeting, then it probably can't be decided--at Harvard anyway.

As often as not, academic policy is hammered out around small conference tables in departments across campus, in a labyrinthine maze of monthly and bi-monthly, ad hoc and standing, search and sub-committee meetings.

Due to Harvard's age-old governing system, which cedes wide swaths of power to individual schools within the University and to departments within those schools, Faculty members have wide latitude in determining administrative action.

And while Faculty members appreciate the voice they are given in shaping University policy, some say it comes at the expense of precious teaching, advising and research time--not to mention their private lives.

Over-Committeed?

While Harvard Faculty have always been asked to pull their weight on the University's various committees, some say they've been asked to pull just a little bit harder in recent years.

"I've had peaks of activity," says Cabot Professor of English Literature Werner Sollors. "This is one of the most heavy peaks I've had."

By his account he serves on 15 committees--from the college admissions committee to search committees for the English department to the occasional tenure ad hoc committee for other universities. Sollors also juggles a joint appointment with the Afro-American Studies Department, of which he is the former chair.

Sollors says he spends an average of two hours a month on each of his committees. That means a whopping 30 hours a month in committee meetings--almost one additional work week--a level he terms "unsustainable."