Exiting Key Head Asks Closer Official Liaison

The outgoing head of the Undergraduate Schools Committee last night asked for a thorough reorganization of the group in order to "increase its efficiency."

In a seven-page report issued to the Crimson Key and the College Committee on Admissions, William A. Magie '53 recommended that the Schools Committee strengthen its ties with University Hall and alter its relations with the Key.

Magie outlined two major problems that cropped up during his year as Schools Committee chairman: 1) Selection of undergraduates to work for the Committee: and 2) Handling of visiting applicants.

Several members of the Schools Committee added that still another major obstacle is lack of effective coordination with the schools committees of the Harvard Clubs. "These clubs," said Byron R. Wien '54, "have been decidedly remiss in following up prospective freshmen. Without effective integration of undergraduate and alumni groups the program has little use...."

Magie thinks the selection of undergraduates was based too heavily on other students' opinions than on the individual's ability to work with his local Harvard Club. He suggested that the Committee on Admissions and local schools committees select members for the undergraduate group.

According to Magie, the Admissions group is "highly skilled in this type of work ... it is logical to assume that they can do a better job of selection than we as undergraduates can." This would take away a considerable part of the Key's jurisdiction.

The Schools Committee is linked to the Key through its chairman, who is a member of the key's executive board. However, members of the Schools Committee are not necessarily members of the Key. On the second problem, Magie believes the job of entertaining prospective applicants when they visit Cambridge should be taken over completely by the Key.