Commuters Upset at Harvard Policy

Disgruntled freshman commuters said this week they will mail letters within the next few days to President Bok and several other administrators, suggesting that the University's policy of admitting freshmen as off-campus commuters should "not be repeated next year."

Several commuters said they have had trouble acquiring many of the privileges accorded to live-in students, and added that the experience of living off-campus has proved less satisfying than they expected.

Complaints the students cited included refusal by University police officers to escort commuters home at night, difficulty in running for the Undergraduate Council, and problems in obtaining meal plans.

Far more freshmen are commuting this year than in years past, because of a University policy established last spring to admit larger numbers of off-campus students.

Of the 20 freshmen currently living off campus, only six are doing so voluntarily. The rest were admitted to the College early last summer under the stipulation that they "expect to live off-campus for the full four years."

Many of the problems commuters have experienced are typical of those involved with the implementation of any new policy, Tom Hassan, advisor to commuting students, said, adding that the problems would be worked out in time.

"I understand some of their frustrations, but I would advise them to wait until later in the year [to send the letters], when the picture resolves itself somewhat," Hassan said.

At least two of the commuters said they have considered transferring to other colleges. Elizabeth Beaman '86, who lives with her parents in Cambridge, said that "if nothing changes, you won't find me here next year."

L. Pred Jewett, dean of admissions and financial aid, said he "knew some of the students were unhappy with the commuting option, so the letter did not come as a surprise."

Jewett added, "I think it's perfectly appropriate for the students to express their feelings in that way; it's the kind of information we probably should have."

The commuting policy will be re-evaluated at the end of the year, he said."

Lionel Raffi '86, who lives in Harvard-owned Peabody Terrace--primarily occupied by graduate students--said the commuting policy has put him in "a really hard position." "Who wouldn't go to Harvard if they were given the chance?" Raffi said. "It's the best institution in the world, but the way they're treating use it's just making it intolerable to live here," he added.

Other commuters echoed Raffi's senti- ments Elaine Snyder '86, who is living at home in Belmont, called commuting similar to "living out of a knapsack."

Snyder, who is involved in crew, said "You have to take everything with you for the whole day when you leave home in the morning."

Some students complained that Harvard Police refused to escort them home at night, because of a College rule stating that the police only escort students to and from Harvard property.

Lavea Brahman assisted in the reporting of this story