Applications Required

To the editors:

Jasmine J. Mahmoud’s commentary on the overuse of applications in student groups (“An Overabundance of Applications,” April 18) showed an unfortunate lack of understanding about how Harvard student groups operate and the resources they draw upon. Certainly Harvard students possess a number of talents that should have an outlet in their undergraduate years, but organizations that currently operate using applications cannot unconditionally expand to include all those interested.

Student groups have a “carrying capacity” for a very good reason—there are limited resources to devote to their membership. The Summer Urban Programs of the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) were cited as an example of an application process that ultimately denied opportunities for public service to willing Harvard students and deserving children in Boston. Yet we draw upon a very limited network of resources to support each staff member, such as a $3000 stipend for each senior counselor, housing from Harvard and the Boston Housing Authority, classroom space and other resources including vans.

Certainly PBHA would love to expand their camps to include more children, but the resources are simply not available. Volunteer management and coordination is also a serious responsibility; Harvard extracurriculars are remarkable in their level of sophistication and often carry with them considerable liability and responsibility. The real issue we should consider is how little Harvard provides in the way of resources, particularly space and money, to its student groups.

Rather than being skeptical of the application processes used by so many student groups, I would be skeptical of those who are so thoroughly discouraged by rejection. Harvard has many lessons to teach, and though many of us were all too accustomed to “not winning” before we came here, rejection is perhaps the most important lesson of all.

Laura E. Clancy ’02

April 19, 2001

The writer is the summer program group officer of PBHA.