Harvey V. Fineberg '67 is the third provost in University history, and he may very well be the last.

After Fineberg's departure at the end of June, President-elect Lawrence H. Summers will have to make a series of decisions regarding the office of the provost, created only a decade ago and never concretely defined.

Current University President Neil L. Rudenstine established the position of provost in 1991, and as provost, Fineberg works with Rudenstine to formulate policy on administrative and academic matters affecting the University as a whole.

But both Rudenstine and Fineberg are leaving, and Summers will have to decide whether or not to retain the post, and if so, whom to appoint.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Jeremy R. Knowles said the very nature of the position of provost leaves the decision up to the president.

"I think it entirely depends on how President Summers wants to structure his administration," he said. "This is a personal matter for the president to decide what arrangements he most prefers. The provost supports and helps the president, and the president therefore decides how he wants to be supported."

Assistant Provost Sean T. Bufington '91 said he expects there to be a provost under Summers.

"I personally would be surprised if any president of a major university didn't see that need for this kind of position," he said.