The First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP) had to transport some students from wilderness trips in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont back to Harvard a day early so they could move in before the holiday.

"It really didn't cause any problems," said Ollie S. Lewis '00, a member of the FOP steering committee. "It changed logistics."

Dean of Freshmen Elizabeth Studley Nathans said the aborted FOP trips and overcrowding at Hillel were unavoidable.

"The date of first year orientation each year is obviously determined by the date set for the start of classes," Nathans wrote in an e-mail message.

Nathans said the FDO has been working with Hillel since January to make the move-in weekend as painless as possible.

"We met with the Hillel staff and confirmed that a four-day move-in (rather than the usual two days) would best accommodate students of all traditions," Nathans added.

In addition to the expanded move-in, students' holiday meals were included as part of the regular meal plan. First-years' families were also invited to dinners at a cost of $14 per head.