The 50 students who have sworn to remain in Mass. Hall indefinitely and the administrators who quietly left their offices seem to have reached a standstill-with no visible end in sight.

The student activists-who entered Mass. Hall armed with enough food and water for days-say they are willing to face disciplinary action for their continuing occupation of the building.

"All of us who have entered Massachusetts Hall have done so with our eyes open, and are prepared for any repercussions that we may face," the press release read. "We do not think that punishment is justified, however, because we do not believe that what we are doing is criminal."

Although the students risk arrest with the ongoing occupation of the administrative building, HUPD officials appeared relaxed last night as they stood outside Mass. Hall-a far cry from the tear gas and violence of the legendary sit-ins of 1969.

Both today's radically different campus climate and PSLM's past relationship with HUPD serve to explain the disparity.

When asked whether students would face arrest, HUPD Chief Francis D. "Bud" Riley said he did not plan to arrest students, because he "knew three-quarters of them by name."

Ultimately, however, it is a question of whether the unprecedented action will prove successful.

Paul S. Grogan, vice president of government and community affairs, said the escalation in tactic is unnecessary.