He has refused to capitulate to demands that Harvard pay all of its workers a wage of at least $10.25 an hour, though he has agreed in principle to extend health and education benefits to nearly every University employee.

Aaron D. Bartley, an organizer for the Progressive Student Labor Movement (PSLM), said living wage activists had created a "level of discomfort" for University administrators in recent months.

He said he hopes the next president "will do more."

According to Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68, Rudenstine's most important contribution to the lives of undergraduates was the massive increase in financial aid awards announced last year--an average of $2000 more for each recipient.

"The most important thing presidents do have a longer term impact," Lewis said.

The big complaint of students with regard to Rudenstine is his availability. Many only see him once--during the annual barbecue for first-years during orientation week or at the President's Ball in Annenberg.

"I never really interacted with him at all," said M. Rachael Lovett '03. "I don't think this will affect me that much."