In light of the revisions to the University's policy regarding residential college advisers and alcohol, the administration's recent announcement of a broad coalition on high-risk alcohol use might appear as a belated response to student concerns. This cynicism is not entirely merited. The University has taken unusual pains to emphasize the separate development of the coalition board, which will include a number of students as well as prominent administrators. They are entrusted with a large agenda, apparently catalyzed by the Rider tragedy but focused particularly on our own campus environment and drinking culture. This indeed marks a promising change in the administration's methods. As opposed to the changes in the enforcement of the alcohol policy, which has been instituted by fiat, the formation of this coalition marks a commitment to consultation with the student body beyond a simple gesture toward dialogue and community.
Alcohol abuse poses a large problem on every college campus. It also remains a complex issue in pharmacological, sociological and psychological terms. The administration should be commended in approaching alcohol abuse as a matter of health and not merely as a legal liability. Recent reports from McCosh suggest a widespread use of antidepressants as well as heavy utilization of counseling services. Such factors as these cannot be emphasized enough in the University's policy changes, and students themselves can offer valuable feedback on the underlying causes of alcohol abuse.
Comprised of students, faculty and administrators, the focus group on high-risk alcohol use should comprehensively meet the issues raised by the Task Force on Health and Well-Being. The planning group should firmly distinguish between drinking and high-risk drinking as well as take steps to address more fundamental concerns. Talking to students, including them in extended planning and earmarking one student position for a USG member, should prove a good model for developing a good alcohol policy. It also promises to develop dialogue in a meaningful manner between Nassau Hall and the student body. We wish the board success in its stated goals of identifying the problems surrounding alcohol abuse, the resources available to treat it and the most effective, longterm means of addressing it. Its work should not end on May 9, the day the report will be presented.
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