While some students say that Gross’ class hasn’t changed during his absence, attendance has dropped, according to Varun K. Narendra ’07, who is in the class.

“I haven’t been to lecture since his absence,” Alexander P. Ellis ’07 said. “Our TF who took up the lecture is very good, but Dean Gross is an exceptional lecturer, probably the best I’ve had since I’ve been at Harvard.”

“Of course it would be better if he was teaching,” Narendra said. “But we’ve sort of dealt with it pretty well.”

Professor of Mathematics Noam D. Elkies said that Gross is recovering as well as can be expected.

For now though, Gross said he’ll turn to a stricter diet.

“We’ll have healthier snacks at the U-Hall,” he quipped.

—Rebecca D. O’Brien contributed to the reporting of this story.

—Staff writer Margaret W. Ho can be reached at mwho@fas.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Joshua P. Rogers can be reached at jprogers@fas.harvard.edu.