War Delays 'Whole Man' Report; Council Committee Awaits Normalcy

"Abnormal times" have interrupted a Student Council committee's attempts to investigate the educational process that breeds the "whole Man."

Donald L. M. Blackmer '52 who heads the Harvard Study Committee said yesterday that he cannot possibly "tabulate a normal, broad student" during a period of uncertainty and turmoil.

The research started a year ago when Davad C. Poskanzer. '50 contended that Harvard should turn out a well-rounded man. This "Whole Man" would not over-emphasis athletics, studies or undergraduate organizations, but, instead would take an equal interest in all.

Poskanzer Began Survey

Poskanzer then began a survey to prove that the College does not fulfill this function and suggested several remedies.

Later, however, the Council appointed a committee to approach the "Whole Man" problem more objectively. This new committee attempted to got their data by questioning many individuals.

Beginning with the present freshman class, the committee distributed 200 questionnaires asking several general questions. The opening one was why the man had come to Harvard in the first place. Next, he was asked what he thought he would gain from the College; finally, how much time he expected to put into studies, athletics activities, and social affairs.

Out of the 200 questionnaires, the committee got back 100, after a little postal card prodding. The answer reflected an almost endless variety of ideas and intentions.

Seek General Pattern

Yet the problem of the committee was not to tabulate individual sentiments, Blackmer said, but rather to see whether the attitude changes of a student toward the College and lie tell into a general pattern. Or, in other words, whether the change that came over the single student typified a large group.

Thus the questionnaire was merely preliminary to a long study which would continue throughout the student's career, Blackmer said. At present the difficulty is not in tabulation or interpretation, he noted. Because of Korea, the committee does not know whether the students polled will be here for the next four years.

With the uncertainty of the present draft law, Blackmer wonders if even the members of the committee will be in College to continue the work.