“He was very receptive, and offered several suggestions for the program, which focuses on globalization and health,” said Erica Seguer, a medical student.

By 3:55 p.m., the Mass. Hall waiting room was packed with curious students, many of whom had arrived 15 minutes earlier.

Students who arrived after 4 p.m. were given a list of Summers’ upcoming monthly office hour opportunities and advised to return at a later date.

Though most students said they understood the demands on Summers’ time, others complained that his office hours were too short and infrequent to truly connect with students.

“We were never told that you had to sign up between 3 and 4 p.m.” said Shaline D. Rao ’03, who had planned to voice her concerns about undergraduate advising.

Toussaint G. Losier ’04 criticized the limited amount of contact between students and administrators.

“I think it says something about the transparency of the administration that it’s so awe-inspiring to actually see the president,” he said.

He suggested that Summers continue to visit with students informally at meetings and in the dining halls—something the president has been doing since his arrival.

“It’s in the administration’s benefit to have some form of regular dialogue,” Losier said.

The president was unavailable for comment, but stayed until well after 5 p.m. to meet with students.

—Staff writer Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at shoichet@fas.harvard.edu.