Summers says he had always planned to withdraw from the review at this stage, leaving it, as he said, in the hands of the Faculty.

A CHANGED MAN?

Since March 15, many professors say they have seen a noticeably positive change in Summers’ leadership style.

Some, including Professor of Economics David I. Laibson ’88 and Todd, say they have heard reports that Summers has improved his conduct on ad hoc committees.

According to Todd, a friend of his who served on an ad hoc with Summers a few weeks ago said the president was much more respectful in his interactions with colleagues.

“What I’m hearing consistently is that his style has become far more responsive and more collegial in recent months, so I think he’s hearing that concern, has listened, and his current style reflects a thoughtful response to that criticism,” Laibson says.

Summers’ withdrawal from the curricular review may be further evidence that he has committed himself to a permanent change in his governance style.

But many professors remain skeptical that the changes are here for the long run, and are calling for more immediate, drastic action.

Sociology Department Chair Mary C. Waters, a member of the group of chairs, says she thinks that for the good of Harvard, Summers should step down. Though Ryan says she has not yet decided whether or not Summers should resign, she says he should stop chairing Faculty meetings.

The Corporation has sole power to remove the President. Nonetheless, FAS, with 672 professors, is by far the largest of the University’s nine faculties, and it will be difficult for Summers to serve successfully as President if he cannot regain its confidence.

At the March 15 Faculty meeting, 218 voted that they lacked confidence in Summers, 185 voted for confidence, with 18 abstentions.

To earn back the Faculty’s faith, Summers must convince professors that he respects their opinions and their disciplines and that the changes to his approach are permanent.

“I think [the future] sort of depends on if there is a change in his style. If there is a long-term change, I think that people will be able to work within that context,” says Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department Chair Cynthia M. Friend, who is a member of the group of chairs. “If not, it’s difficult to predict.”

—Staff writer William C. Marra can be reached at wmarra@fas.harvard.edu.