Penn State President Graham Spanier addressed the problems of dangerous drinking and sexual assault Tuesday through a letter on the Penn State Student News Wire and Penn State's Web site.

It is always important for the president of the university to address problems that the university and its students face. It is commendable that Spanier made a move to deal with these issues, showing that he is aware of the problems that are occurring at Penn State. It is frightening to see statistics about overdosing on alcohol, hospital visits, drunken driving and sexual assault.

It is puzzling, however, that Spanier chose to direct his comments to the parents and families of Penn State students, instead of first writing to the students themselves about his concerns.

This may have been an appropriate second step in dealing with these problems. But it seems as if the first step was skipped when Spanier did not first address his students personally.

Also, parents can only do so much to change their children's behavior, as most of the students at Penn State are living on their own. Students are adults who should make adult decisions and be responsible for those decisions.

Students are the ones committing crimes, taking dangerous chances with alcohol, and they should be the first ones told about concerns for their actions.

Spanier should be applauded for taking initiative to deal with the problems the Penn State community faces. He should also remember how much of an impact he has on this community and start with the ones causing the problems.