Heated Panel Debates Merger Deal

Radcliffe alumnae expressed apprehensions about their alma mater's planned merger with the University at the largest-scale alumnae gathering since the agreement was announced--the June 12 "Radcliffe Day" sponsored by the Radcliffe College Alumnae Association (RCAA).

Some expressed disappointment that the new Radcliffe Institute will have no tenured faculty of its own and will offer no undergraduate classes.

"We believe Radcliffe can only survive if it remains an academic institution," said Frances Prager Nemetz '46, a Radcliffe graduate who attended the panel on Radcliffe's future. She said Radcliffe should keep its college accreditation and offer courses by joining with Harvard's Committee on Degrees in Women Studies.

And a panel attendee drew thunderous applause from the crowd by asking why alumnae and observers were kept in the dark about the negotiations process.

But University Provost Harvey V. Fineberg '67 said the secrecy was necessary.

"We gained an agreement," Fineberg said. "I think it was a process that was a very good process from my vantage point because it allowed [us to] build on foundations of growing trust which was not, quite honestly, abundant at the beginning of discussions."

"I think a fully deliberative process would've been so slow an agreement could have faltered an never been reached," added Mary Maples Dunn, who will serve as interim head of the new Institute. She promised that alumnae will play a greater role in shaping the Institute's activities now that initial negotiations are complete.

The panel event, held one day after the University's Commencement, ran overtime as alumnae pummeled administrators with questions and comments.

During the hour-long sessions, which drew around 100 alumnae, administrators touched on many of the issues which have yet to be settled, such as the fate of Radcliffe's undergraduate programs.

"Radcliffe currently offers a number of programs for undergraduates," Dunn said. "I think a good many will continue to be offered but details will be worked out in conversations that will begin this summer."

Radcliffe is also expected to form a search committee to seek out the new head.

"All things being equal, [the new head] should be a woman," Dunn said, drawing cheers from the audience.

"I think a person with strong academic credentials...in almost any field, really. My own preference would be issues of concern to women," she added. Dunn said she would prefer a candidate who "understands Radcliffe historic mission" and could use that understanding to build the new Institute.

While a final merger agreement has yet to be completed, Dunn told alumnae that the Institute's commitment to the study of women, gender and society will be protected.

"There are ongoing conversations about how to build that commitment to women, gender and society into the structure of the institute," she said. "Those conversations are far from over."

Dunn promised that while RCAA may establish closer ties with the Harvard Alumnae Association, Radcliffe College alumnae will not feel left out.

"We'll go on having reunions as long as there are people to 'reune'," she said.