“I wouldn’t say there is an alcoholic use epidemic on campus,” he said. “Mental health problems are more unique and acute to Harvard’s campus,” Chopra added that Harvard’s alcohol problems are shared by campuses nationwide.

Studies released by School of Public Health researcher Henry Wechsler found that two out of every five college students are binge drinkers.

Lewis and Gross agree that the problem is not particular to Harvard.

“The alcohol problem is no worse, and is probably better, than it is at most American universities,” Lewis wrote in an e-mail yesterday, attributing this largely to a lack of an established fraternity and sorority system on campus.

But the fact that Harvard shares this problem at all is what has bothered Lewis.

“Our students are so smart, it is disappointing to see them doing such stupid things as endangering their lives by drinking huge quantities of alcohol in short periods of time,” he wrote in an e-mail.

Mather House Master Leigh G. Hafrey said that administration efforts to limit irresponsible alcohol consumption are not optimal, but probably necessary.

“We would love to see students control it themselves,” he said.

Social Spaces

Students and Faculty members last night welcomed Gross’ attention to the need for better and more social space, regardless of the existence of an alcohol problem.

“More money for student groups, more social space and open dialogue are always good things,” said Committee on House Life member Angela M. Salvucci ’03.

These improvements, some faculty said, would help in targeting the certain communities on campus where the alcohol problem is particularly acute.

“People in the past have alluded to the fact that we don’t have a student center...There’s no place to go after hours,” Professor of the History of Science Everett I. Mendelsohn said. “My own sense is that there are subcultures here where the abuse of alcohol...takes place.”

“There are unhealthy settings, and students eagerly flock to them,” Quincy House Master Robert P. Kirshner agreed. “It’s part of their cultural behavior.”

Hafrey said he was uncertain how closely related social spaces were to alcohol consumption. He said, however, that he would back Gross’ initiative.

“Anything that the administration feels can achieve that goal [of limiting irresponsible alcohol consumption], I will support,” he said.

—Staff writer Alexander J. Blenkinsopp can be reached at blenkins@fas.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Rebecca D. O’Brien can be reached at robrien@fas.harvard.edu.