Though Summers has been hesitant to reveal much about his agenda, general themes did begin to emerge in Summers’ early meetings with representatives of the University’s various schools. Summers began to put his mark on physical planning, stressing the need for the schools keep the University’s options open when it comes to development of Harvard’s Allston campus.

Relocation of schools currently residing in Cambridge is a distinct, albeit distant, possibility. Summers cautioned the schools that further development in Cambridge—such as expansion of the law school— could not proceed without at least consideration of what that development would mean under various scenarios for Allston.

Summers’ first day, however, was filled by more immediate concerns.

After arriving at the office promptly at 9 a.m., Summers checked his email on the new Dell computer installed over the weekend in his officethe first computer to be used in the presidents office, since former President Neil L. Rudenstine shunned computers.

Summers met with an official from the University benefits office to learn about his new options for health care and retirement plans. He set up photos on the side-table, and talked with staff about getting posters for the walls. The new president even went around the building to introduce himself.

There were, however, indications that Summers was not just any employee. The photos he set up were signed by former President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore ’69, and a framed $1 bill with Summers signature on it from his days as treasury secretary graced a side-table. And, throughout the day, well-wishers dropped off cards and presents to herald his return to Cambridge.

On the presidents desk, Rudenstine left Summers three colored juggling balls—because “I’m going to be juggling many balls at once in this job,” Summers quipped—and the traditional letter welcoming him to his new post.