Harvey V. Fineberg '67 is a very good provost.

So good, in fact, that when President Neil L. Rudenstine said in May that this would be his final year, Fineberg was the first to be mentioned as a possible successor. With his extensive knowledge of the University and his status as Rudenstine's number two, few doubted that Fineberg would be among the top candidates for the job.

But Fineberg's excellent record may also be his greatest liability. He has strengthened the institution of the provost's office, but some in the faculties would rather see a weaker central administration. In fact, powerful chunks of the University wish there wasn't a strong provost at all--and opposition to Fineberg's achievements may create a major obstacle for his candidacy.

There is a general consensus that under Fineberg, the provost's office has become more active and more powerful than ever before in its 10-year history.

Fineberg has built a major role for his office in encouraging interfaculty initiatives, one of the hallmarks of Rudenstine's presidency. And he has increased the office's administrative profile, strengthening its involvement in staff relations, research administration and trademark issues.

Administrators overwhelmingly say that they appreciate Fineberg's work and the administrative consolidation that his office has fostered.

And everyone has kind words for Fineberg himself. He is described as the kind of energetic, highly competent intellectual-administrator who would be an ideal Harvard president.

But as an internal candidate Fineberg is a known quantity highly vulnerable to criticism.