"I would hope that a decade from now, the Faculty would look more like the world than it does today," he said.
In reply to another question, Summers said academic credit would not be given for public service.
"We reserve academic credit for activities that represent intellectual learning achievements," he said
He also said he hopes to bring the Medical School, School of Public Health and Faculty of Arts and Sciences to a "much higher level of integration" in order to focus the University's work in the field of life sciences.
In addition, he showed support for expanding the financial aid programs at the University's graduate schools.
"I'm proud that we have the principle of need-blind financial aid, but I think that it's an aspiration we have throughout the University, not just in the College," he said.
Summers also reiterated his opposition to divestment from Israel.
"To boldly single out Israel...would be an extraordinarily problematic action for the University," he said. "It is important for the University not to be instrumental to singling out a nation."
While Summer said it was important for the University to take a stand on "certain issues of values," he cautioned against becoming too involved in political issues.
"The University itself is not a political actor. It is a community," he said.
Summers then fielded questions from the council.
Rohit Chopra '04 said he thought that Summers could have been more detailed in his statements.
"I hope in future times, he'll be able to articulate what role he will play" in various campus issues, Chopra said.
Council member Rory S. Donald '04 expressed support for Summers' remarks.
"I really respected what he said," Donald said.
After Summers' remarks, council President Sujean S. Lee '03 seated the council and delivered a welcoming speech.
"I promise you that after surviving elections this past week, things will only get better," she said.
Council members concluded their meeting by electing Deborah Hsieh '06 as secretary and re-electing Eric J. Powell '03 as treasurer.
-Staff writer Alexander J. Blenkinsopp can be reached at blenkins@fas.harvard.edu.