Gross To Step Down

Dean of the College Benedict H. Gross '71 will step down on Aug. 31, the College announced today.

"Gross said that, with the conclusion of the legislative process of the curricular review, the time seems appropriate to move on to other projects," according to a Faculty of Arts and Sciences news release.

After nearly five years of debate, the Faculty last month approved a new program of general education that will replace the generation-old Core Curriculum. The program may go into effect as early as fall 2008, and the dean of the College will be key in ensuring that the transition goes smoothly.

Gross, a prominent mathematician, has served as dean of the College since July 2003, when the positions of dean of the College and dean of undergraduate education were consolidated.

In the news release, Interim Dean of the Faculty David Pilbeam and Interim President Derek C. Bok praised Gross for his contributions to student life. Under Gross, the College undertook some high-profile initiatives to boost Harvard's standing as a school with a less-than-satisfactory social life.

--Check thecrimson.com throughout the day for updates.