Council Group Offers Plan To Improve Lot of Athletes

Proposals to alleviate "bitterness" and "antagonism" among athletes here will be presented to the Student Council tonight. They include plans for a new "recruiting and admissions office," new funds to pay the rent of needy students, and a new tutoring plan for freshmen.

These proposals are the result of a three month investigation by the Council's Committee on Athletics.

Charging that bad recruiting of students, including false promises to athletes by misinformed alumni, is the biggest source of irritation, the committee proposes revisions in the present admissions system. These aim at keeping recruiting alumni in closer touch with the administration and undergraduates.

The report asks the Council to recommend that the Dean of Admissions direct a central recruiting and admissions office, which would include Administration, alumni, and undergraduate representatives. The alumni would be given control of all recruiting.

Would Combine Staffs

The proposed office would combine the staff of the Secretary of the Alumni Association, the Chairman of the Scholarships Committee, and the Secretary of the Associated Harvard Clubs. It would keep in close touch with Student Employment, Financial Aid, and Crimson Key offices.

To end the resentment caused by the "segregation of athletes" in the Varsity Club and Weld Boat House, the committee proposes that a Room Fund be set up to help pay the House rents of needy scholars.

Money for the fund would come from the Harvard Clubs who would be asked to contribute an annual $10,000 gift. The fund would be administered "at the discretion of the Deans" and not specifically earmarked for athletes. This sum would just cover the minimum House room rents of the 50 students now forced to live elsewhere because of financial need.

Senior advisors to aid in course planning and a system of "exam coaching" are proposed for freshman football players and other freshmen with scholastic difficulties.

This tutoring plan, which would be tried out for one year, would designate upperclassmen to teach freshman how to write essay-type exams.