For the Trustees: Input

When the Trustees meet in January to consider, among other issues, the male-female ratio of students - whether it ought to be changed; and, if so, when and to what degree - they will be the beneficiaries of a plethora of what have come to be known in some circles, to the horror of others, as "inputs."

Putting in like mad, before the decision is made .or waived, are student groups, faculty groups, alumni groups, and women's groups, with in-group dissenters of all stripes adding their vocal bits.

Frederick H. Stephens Jr. '53, chairman of the Alumni Council's ad hoc committee studying the matter, reported to a largely unreceptive group of club officers assembled for their annual November weekend on his committee's procedures and progress. Student administrative interns have been seeking undergraduate "input," substantially receptive, through dormitory meetings and an open forum at which key administrators, including President Kemeny, were present to answer questions.

The faculty Committee on Admission and Financial Aid proposed that "there should be matriculated by September 1980 no fewer than 2,600 undergraduate men and no fewer than 1,400 undergraduate women," a plan which would maintain the current size of the student body while admitting a ratio of students "roughly in line" with the male-female ratio of applicants. The proposal, endorsed by the executive committee of the faculty, went before the full Faculty of Arts and Sciences on December 1.

The Women's Caucus has been circulating petitions advocating equal access, with sex no criterion for admission, for presentation to the Trustees. The DCAC expresses concern about the effect on varsity athletics, should the number of male undergraduates drop below present levels.

Discussion continues lively, with "inputs" flourishing from all quarters.