After serving as the second main undergraduate library, University Hall and Harvard College Libraries announce a plan to convert Hilles Library into a student activity center with a small mini library and study space.

Harvard Medical School opens the largest University building at a cost of $260 million.

Kennedy School of Government Dean Joseph S. Nye announces that he will step down at the end of the academic year.

D. Ronald Daniel, University treasurer for more than 15 years, announces he will step down at the end of the academic year.

October

Cantabrigians and Harvard students are forced to step outside for a smoke at Cambridge restaurants and bars after a new smoking ban goes into effect.

Harvard reaches an agreement with the Cambridge City Council over the development of its land in the Riverside neighborhood. The city allows the University to build taller buildings than the local residents wanted after Harvard guarantees to provide affordable housing and open space for the community.

William E. Gienapp, Harvard College professor and professor of history dies, of cancer at the age of 59.

University President Lawrence H. Summers announces the general makeup of the new Allston campus will include undergraduate housing, new science facilities and two graduate schools.

November

A ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court allows same-sex marriages in Massachusetts.

Four Harvard students are arrested while participating in a protest at the Free Trades Area of America conference in Miami. They were observing the protest as part of the class before they decided to join in.

December

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, the third-highest-ranking Chinese official, speaks at Harvard as part of his first trip to the United States since he was appointed in March.

Matthew W. Mahan ’05 and Michael R. Blickstead ’05 are elected president and vice president of the Undergraduate Council on a student services platform of later party hours and expanded keycard access.