Some Quad residents want a separate room for smokers, but it is unclear whether the Wang Center will allow students to smoke inside.

Alcohol policy may be more difficult to resolve, Lansky said. With a house budget of $17,000, Currier residents want to continue their tradition of serving free alcohol.

"Currier House wants an open bar for at least an hour," said William A. Blankenship '96, co-chair of the Currier's social committee.

But facing low budgets--Cabot House has only $2000--the other houses are reluctant to split the cost of an open bar.

And Currier House officials said they do not want to fund more than their share.

"For our spring formal last year, the open bar cost over $1000 for an hour," said Zach Buchwald '96, Currier House committee treasurer. "If three times as many people show, and we have most of the money, well...we just want everything to be fair."

"We're trying to figure out a way to have as much alcohol as possible," Lansky said, "but we're working on different options."

Students rejected a Quad-wide spring formal each of the past two years. Ponton said North House and Cabot House residents had considered a joint spring formal at the end of last year, but they ultimately scrapped the idea.

"It's the last big house event, and seniors want to be with their friends from the house," said Ponton. "It's a much bigger thing than the winter one."

Several Quad students said they are enthusiastic about the combination dance.

"I like that [the Quad houses] are doing more activities together," said Paul D. Cabana '96. "We should take advantage of the location. We're all secluded, but we're all secluded together."

Cabot resident Cameron E. Half '97 said that "it's a good idea. Not only can you pool resources, but the Quad is three houses where people share a common experience. We wait for the shuttle together, walk back from class together. There's a special connection that should be celebrated.