"He can't really show his hand because of the position he's in," says another person who has served as an Overseer, adding that when talking to Fineberg, one cannot always tell what he is thinking.

But as one of the University's higher-ups, Fineberg is not always at liberty to say what everyone wants to hear, Huidekoper says.

"When you are in a position of administrative authority, your musings aloud can be mistaken for firm declarations of policy, so you have to be conscious of what you say. If I have felt a monitor on what I have expressed as provost, it is not from any political pressure, but from an effort to be accurate and to avoid misleading others. I have always felt free to express my views," Fineberg says in response.

Colleagues describe Fineberg as unrelentingly principled and apolitical. And Huidekoper says she considers Fineberg a "good communicator."

As provost, he faces certain communication challenges. He works closely with Rudenstine and the central administration but must also have a good relationship with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)--which comprises 40 percent of the University. These two are historically at odds.

One point of contention has been Project ADAPT, the implementation of University-wide finance systems that was administered through Fineberg's office. The transition was particularly rough for FAS, and Fineberg wasn't able to smooth over all the ruffled feathers.

And earlier this spring, a FAS committee on resources directly called for more communication from the central administration about University finances, saying that the last time a report on the central administration's finances was released was during Carnesale's tenure as provost. According to Huidekoper, the decision to issue another such report is Fineberg's responsibility.

Some wonder if FAS tensions with the central administration could make Fineberg their victim. They think he might have a hard time becoming president without Faculty approval and support.