As officers of the University, proctors are required to report disciplinary infractions by students in virtually all cases. Yet according to Noah S. Selsby '95, a proctor in Thayer, this obligation does not have to constrain the proctor/proctee relationship.

"Even in the disciplinary role, I've always let students know that I'm not out to get them, and that I don't take pleasure in my disciplinary role," he says.

When it comes to first-years who've had too much to drink, Selsby is careful to point out that students are not subject to disciplinary action in situations involving alcohol where a student's health is in question.

Yet even given that prefects are not in a disciplinary position like proctors, some students feel they are an inadequate remedy for the residential isolation that comes with life in the Yard.

"I do feel isolated," says Stephen M. Davis '03, a Mower resident. "I rarely see upperclassmen. I rarely talk to them. I feel almost as if I'm going to a new college next year, because so much will be changing in terms of my social environment and whatnot."

"The prefect program is an interesting, but stop-gap measure," he adds. "[My prefects] are certainly enthusiastic, but I don't really feel that they've connected me to upperclass life."