Wes Kauble ’06, another student member on the Athletic committee, says he thinks Lewis’ exit suggests a significant shift in priorities.

“Dean Lewis’ departure clearly signals a change in the administration’s views of a student-athlete, as well as the view of all other forms of student life available on campus,” Kauble says.

Nick Picarsic ’03, another student member on the Committee, says Lewis’s dismissal is not anti-athletic, but that Lewis will be hard to replace as an advocate for student athletes.

“I hope a commitment to dialogue with student-athlete representatives will not pass away along with his old position,” Picarsic says. “There is no substitute for communication, and I think the administration of this college has a responsibility to its student constituency to consult them on important decisions that affect their lives and careers here.”

“Gross has demonstrated his understanding of that responsibility by consulting students on other topics, and I hope he will follow Dean Lewis’ example in the area of student-athletes,” he adds.

Former students also express concern that the new dean will respect the established lines of communication.

“What I would hope would happen is that the faculty and President Summers would take in commentary and advice from the various constituencies who all have both experience with and a stake in Harvard athletics,” McGugan says.