On Allston, a number of committees that have been at work since spring will this winter present initial findings on scenarios for development.

Summers said that debate on which scenario to pursue will begin promptly thereafter.

“It’s a decision we want to make as quickly as possible, but to get it right,” he said.

Attracting more faculty “who will do their most important work at Harvard” and increasing inter-faculty collaboration also remain top priorities on this year’s docket, Summers said.

In addition to policy reforms, Summers will spend much of his time this year helping to raise money for capital campaigns for the law and business schools and in support of biomedical research.

During yesterday’s interview, Summers also expressed his concern for international students unable to enter the United States under more stringent visa controls adopted in the wake of Sept. 11.

Summers said that his office is working with officials around the world on the students’ behalf. And Harvard has “made a commitment...to be as flexible as possible with respect to academic deadlines,” Summers said.

Summers added that the University’s efforts have met with some success.

“There have been a number of cases that have been dislodged and I’m told people are optimistic about several others,” he said.

—Staff writer David H. Gellis can be reached at gellis@fas.harvard.edu.

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