Hart said that he is aware that the administration is being more cautious in approving new appointments, but because the department’s hiring season is just beginning, he is unsure what the effects of the new policy will be.
“Who knows what will happen, but I think that if we come out strong, it will be in the long-run interest of the institution [to approve new hires],” Hart said.
MacFarquhar said he felt Kirby’s policy is motivated by not only the budget crunch, but a combination of factors surrounding Kirby’s first year as dean.
“I think he is keen to ease himself in,” MacFarquhar said, noting that he thinks Kirby may want to look at the broader needs of the Faculty before committing to specific appointments. “At the moment, it is a rational approach to his job.”
Macfarquhar added that he does not feel that the policy has had a negative impact on recruiting throughout the College.
“We never stop looking. You have to proceed on the basis that you have justifiable claim to the dean’s attention,” he said.
—Staff writer Jessica E. Vascellaro can be reached at vascell@fas.harvard.edu.