I am writing in response to Daryl Lang's article titled "Anti-drinking ad campaign to be launched" printed yesterday. First, let me point out that the campaign is not an "anti-drinking" campaign. The purpose of the campaign is not to get students to stop drinking. The purpose is to convey that most Penn State students are low-risk drinkers and typically have zero to four drinks when they party.

This information is based on scientifically collected data from approximately 4,000 students. The campaign also seeks to share information about how students can help a friend who may have alcohol poisoning or who may need emergency medical attention as a result of drinking too much.

Second, "social norming" is not a "bandwagon-like technique," as Lang points out. Social norming is a theoretical perspective that has been proven through research to be successful.

It is unfortunate that the Collegian chose to portray the campaign in such a negative light. The headline alone contributes to the notion that the community, faculty, staff and administrators are at odds with students over the drinking issue.

This is simply not true. The University Park Campus Community Partnership, who sponsored the campaign, sought input from more than 100 students, and the two themes of the campaign are the direct result of feedback from these students.

Additionally, UPCCP is working with a group of very dedicated students on developing approaches to addressing high-risk drinking among students. The partnership hopes The Daily Collegian staff will join other students in their efforts to reduce high-risk drinking and its consequences such as personal injury, sexual assault and property damage.