If The Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard seems any heavier than it did four years ago, it could be because the section on student groups keeps getting longer and longer.

New student groups are spawned at Harvard nearly as often as tourists rub John Harvard's lucky toe. In 1996-1997, when most current seniors arrived on campus, there were 186 student groups officially recognized by the College. Now, there are over 300.

The Class of 2000 has been instrumental in the creation of these groups. Because of the efforts of dozens of seniors, students can now review bestselling books, teach Web page design in inner-city Boston and learn Israeli dancing in Harvard-affiliated organizations.

"The range is diverse, from juggling and croquet to international development to political awareness, religious observance, performing arts and publications," writes Susan T. Cooke, coordinator of student activities, in an e-mail message. "[There is] a true slice of thriving, diverse activity at the College."

In total, members of the graduating class have founded or co-founded 34 new student groups over their Harvard careers, according to Cooke.

Few founders say leaving a permanent mark on the student group landscape was foremost in their minds when they started out. But now that they are graduating, they are becoming more aware of the impact their groups have had, and more interested in seeing them flourish for a long time.

And so, in the past several months they have been preparing their groups for their impending departure. Leadership has changed hands. Potential snags have been straightened.

For all of these new organizations, today's Commencement exercises will mark a new phase in their existence. While they will lose the day-to-day tiller of their founders, they will also gain new godfathers to act as devoted fundraisers and advisors.