Details about the future of Radcliffe's undergraduate programs have not yet been decided. Some alumnae have voiced fears that undergraduate women who made use of those programs--including mentoring, externships and support for women-oriented students groups--will lose the most from the merger.

"Most of my social friends are so in love with the role of Radcliffe for undergraduates," Selby said, speaking of her interactions with fellow alumnae. However, her own opinions have been shaped by her recent experience as a tutor in Leverett House.

"I had a different experience and felt that frankly it was dishonest to imply that Radcliffe had a real role with the undergraduates more than the peripheral programs," Selby said.

Even for the many women who, like Lissa Muscatine '76, said they identify more with Harvard than the former Radcliffe, the change presents both parties with a chance to further the Radcliffe goal.

"I feel it's a great opportunity if Harvard is willing to take very seriously the mission and history that Radcliffe has represented in terms of advancing women in society," Muscatine said.

In particular, a number of alumnae said they hoped the decision would serve to pressure the University into improving its track record of promoting women to tenured positions within the Faculty.

Even the role of RCAA, which formed an important network--both socially and professionally--for Radcliffe alumnae, is ambiguous.

As RCAA works to solicit more feedback from its alumni, group leaders said it can only survive with funding and support from the new Institute, or Harvard itself.