Dear Editor: We enjoyed reading your most recent article entitled: "Welcome new and old students alike to a Bran' new year", at least until we got about halfway through the article where you state; "Relish drinking cheap beer under your RA's nose, and discussing Camus at the same time. Have fun seeking out those certain perfect spots on campus - and there are many - and smoking whatever it is you kids smoke." We're just wondering what message it is you are trying to convey? Are you suggesting that students take risks? Personally, we think that idea has merit, but not necessarily at the expense of some unhealthy choices. Please understand that we are not saying this because of who we are or the positions we hold at Brandeis. We're just concerned about our student's health and perpetuating the idea that students need to be "drinking cheap beer" and "smoking whatever it is that you kids smoke" to enjoy their time at Brandeis. While we understand that this behavior occurs, we hope that our students make choices that are in their best interests, and in the best interests of their communities.Thank you for your time.

Sean McGuirk
Director
Student Development and Judicial Education

Dawn Skop, LMHC
Drug and Alcohol Counselor/Educator
Health Services