“Last year’s HoCo funding was an anomaly. We had more money and we were able to give it to them,” Glazer says.

The responsibility of supporting HoCos has fallen traditionally on the Committee Fund, but this year the Grants Fund also shares that burden.

The Committee Fund—which represents 31 percent of the council’s budget—backs concerts, room parties, $1 movie nights and other events open to the a broad spectrum of students. The Grants Fund is specifically for student groups, nabbing 67 percent of the council’s budget. The remaining 2 percent pays for council expenses.

Last semester, the council allocated $40,000 from the Committee Fund to HoCos, while this fall they capped Committee funding to $18,800 per semester, or $1,500 per House. Under the new system, each HoCo can then apply for up to $2,000 from the Grants Fund.

HoCo members have voiced their frustrations about these funding changes, even attending a recent council meeting to address their representatives.

Lowell HoCo Treasurer Mark J. Stanisz ’05, who came to that meeting, says that Mahan has reneged on his pledge to make Harvard a “home” for its students.

“Mahan defended the termbill increase as a way to improve the quality of our House,” says Stanisz. “He kept saying that this was our home, not just a school. For one or two nights of entertainment, I felt he was really turning his back on the institution that shapes our House and home.”

Nicolais, also a Lowell HoCo member, lists his HoCo’s achievements: founding a House DVD collection, hosting brain breaks, renovating the House gyms and holding Stein Clubs. Nicolais says the council should prioritize HoCos with its increased budget.

“Let the people who know what students want more effectively engage students,” Nicolais says. “If you give them the resources, they will amaze you.”

But Mahan says that the HoCo funding caps won’t hinder Houses from pursuing social activities.

“Last year, we made $40,000 available to HoCos, but they didn’t claim it all,” says Mahan.

But not all HoCos are dissatisfied with the new system.

Kirkland HoCo Treasurer Sarah L. Kennifer ’06 says she does not expect to need more than $1,500 for the semester anyway, noting that Mahan, also a Kirkland resident, informs them on council business.

Winthrop HoCo Co-Chair Caroline L. Gottesman ’05 says that Glazer, a proponent of the changes in HoCo funding and a Winthrop resident, is not on HoCo but “occasionally attends meetings and always keeps us up-to-date.”

“We were well informed last year that the [council] budget was inflated and would be returning to normal this year,” Gottesman writes in an e-mail.