Though the ban on single-sex organizations was originally instituted to protect women, according to the subcommittee, the policy is not meeting its original goals.

Female group leaders stressed the important role that they say single-sex organizations play at Harvard, claiming that the administration’s decision to ignore them was counterproductive to promoting women’s social status on campus.

“We don’t want to encourage an increasing exclusive system,” Kidd says. “But we want to consider the implications that our policy of non-recognition has had.”

“This whole discussion is not necessarily about the acceptance of final clubs,” Chadbourne says. “It’s about the relationship between single-sex organizations to the College. The most productive aspect of this entire conversation is that it forces the College to take a look at what recognition by the College means.”

Kidd also says that changing an institution as old as Harvard is a difficult task, especially with concerns about tradition and alumni.

“We must be mindful of Harvard’s history,” she says. “Some alums would be horrified at the idea of a big Greek system at Harvard.”

Before being able to make a recommendation, the subcommittee on student groups says they would want more information about the way these final clubs work, including specifics of the punch process, finding out how many students are involved and what the demand is, and also whether certain organizations would even accept an offer of recognition, especially if certain modifications of current procedures were required.

In addition, the subcommittee discussed the need to consider the impact that recognition would have on the majority of students that have no affiliation with final clubs.

The option of opening up recognition to single-sex groups while still excluding final clubs is another possibility. Certain requirements, such as asking that recognized groups manage their own finances, would leave final clubs out of the picture as most of their funds are managed by alumni, according to subcommittee members.

THE SOCIAL LIFE QUESTION

When the Residential Houses began randomization, the goal was to form “social enclaves” that avoided the exclusivity associated with other elements of social life, Kidd says.

But Kidd added that she recognizes that Houses are not playing that role.

The administration’s investigation into the role student groups play is one component of a new focus on student life outside of the classroom.

One question looming in the minds of administrators has been whether or not extracurricular activities can play a social role.

Though Kidd says that she originally thought extracurriculars were a part of social life, she says that senior surveys have consistently reported that students are happy with their extracurricular life but have found less satisfaction in their social life.

“We need people to think about what they really mean by social life,” Kidd says.

Administrators have been trying to integrate social elements into extracurricular life. Next year’s activities fair will include food, bands and other celebrations, according to an email from Assistant Dean of the College Paul J. McLoughlin II.

“We’re playing around with many different issues right now to see how students’ extracurricular and social activities can enhance the Harvard experience,” Kidd says.

—Staff writer Nicole B. Urken can be reached at urken@fas.harvard.edu.