Benfits Reform

President Neil L. Rudenstine has indicated that a coming reform to the benefits process could include:

. Cuts to employee benefits.

. A requirement that the University subsidize only the least expensive of seven health care plans it currently offers to faculty and staff.

. A reduction in the $10 million annual benefits deficits which officials say would, if left unchecked, eventually force Harvard to dip into its endowment to pay off debt.

. An upgrade to staff pension plans and corresponding reduction in faculty pensions. Some professor pensions dwarf staff pensions by such a margin that the University could be in violation of antidiscrimination laws.