HOUSE PERSONALITY

Throughout the discussion which the "cross-section" plan has aroused in the University, one fundamental need shines clearly forth. This can be described as the need for "house personality" or, in other words, necessity for a distinct intellectual trend in each house, recognized and accepted by the house authorities. Such a movement would have the effect of clearing up much of the present ambiguity in regard to the selection of houses by freshmen and, would offer these men a definite means of choosing their future residence with some degree of surety and logic. As it is at present, the freshmen know practically nothing about the various houses. They are seldom able to inspect more than one or two, and often prefer to make their choice on the basis of contacts with friends rather than with regard to tutorial facilities or curricular advantages. In view of this haphazard and unfortunate mode of selection, the formulation of house personalities would seem the most direct solution.

These characteristics would naturally have to be along intellectual rather than social lines. House libraries, the selection of the tutorial staffs and especially careful selection of entering concentrators could all be brought to bear on developing this trend. Discussion groups or societies, instigated and continued by, the students themselves, could be fostered and stimulated by the benign interests of resident members of the faculty. Outside lecturers might be called in, dinners held and opportunities taken to maintain such a tradition, if once started. Indeed, ample means could be found to preserve house personalities and cherish them once the initial impulse had been given; with the final result destined to be not unlike the personalities achieved by the several colleges at the British Universities.

Although it might seem a presumption to point at a goal which both Oxford and Cambridge have attained only after centuries of development, yet the idea is not impossible if considered in the light of present day trends and the general progressive character of the University itself. Harvard could endue each house with certain characteristics and could develop them in a relatively short space of time. That such personalities would benefit not only the freshmen in making their selections but also the house plan in general, is undeniable. Seven colorful and distinctive houses could not help but reflect well on Harvard, and though internecine bickering over details and lack of cooperation among the houses might foil the launching of the plan itself, the prospect still remains undimmed. Some day Harvard must recognize separate and distinct personalities for each of its seven houses if they are to grow in stature as in age.