Students differed on the effect of the letters.

"I disregard the alcohol policy no matter what it is," Eddie J. Joyce '97 said. "It's definitely not well defined. I don't know what it is, and I don't care."

Leverett resident Kristy L. Garcia '98 said: "I actually thought it was pretty good. I liked that it emphasized excessive drinking."

One student said it is important for students to know that their dealings with UHS will not lead to disciplinary actions against them.

"I've taken more than one friend to [UHS] and never had any problem. That's one of the few things the University does right with respect to alcohol," said an Adams House senior.

Cabot House Master James H. Ware expressed hope "that the letters would raise awareness among students about the dangers that can be associated with alcohol use."

Ware said Lewis' letter increased his awareness of the issue and added that he does not consider it a hard-and-fast directive to use Lewis' letter.

Lewis, who declined to release a copy of his original letter to The Crimson, said he sent the letter to each house master because problems with alcohol are closely related to residential life.

He said he hopes more information will remind students that "they are responsible to the Masters and their tutors for their behavior in the House community.