But McCarthy's arguments, a last attempt to absolve SAC of its reputation scarred by Pryor's decision, was essentially fruitless. The committee expired on the first of December, despite different opinions on the committee's merits.

Face-Lift

On Dec. 5, in another seemingly unilateral decision, Pryor announced the temporary structure of the IOP that would govern the Institute for the rest of the year.

This plan was based on a popular student plan that had been proposed--there were open elections for the position of IOP Student Governing president and the chairs of the six committees.

All students who had attended half of any committee's meetings were invited to vote in the election.

McCarthy was elected president and a task force, designed to conduct research and determine a permanent structure, was also formed during this open elections.

The task force consisted of three staff members, and six undergraduates who would be chosen in the open elections. Three graduated SAC members also served on the task force.

In retrospect, those involved with the IOP say the leadership structure this semester was a success.

The study groups, which were led by a diverse range of fellows, had been chosen according to the interests of the students. And as a result of popular fellows, attendance increased at the weekly study groups. Pryor says that all of the forums were overflowing, and the new faces showing up at IOP events were invigorating.

"We have just completed one of the most successful years, in the 35 year history of the Institute of Politics," Pryor says. "Not only have we had probably more forums than recent years, but the quality of the forums is unsurpassed, we think."

McCarthy said that all the programs this semester were carried out smoothly, without a lot of the tension that had been visible in the past.

But despite the smooth transition, the IOP had still been running under an interim government.

It was only in late April, that the task force released a draft proposal of a permanent structure they hoped to adopt.

This new government called for a popularly elected president, vice-president, treasurer and committee chairs. There would also be at-large members that would serve on the new student-advisory committee.