Henry Wechsler, a lecturer at the School of Public Health, whose report on binge drinking helped set the coalition in motion, called the plan "a useful first step," but said more needs to be done.
"This is not by any means a solution to the problem," Wechsler said. "I hope they don't plan to stop here."
Wechsler said colleges need to customize the alcohol policies to fit life on their campuses and should make an effort to involve student groups from across the different schools in the campaign.
"It doesn't hurt for institutions to make a commitment," Wechsler said. "But what ensues in the next few years will allow you to tell whether this is a p.r. gesture or a sincere effort."
Duane H. Dreger, president of MIT's inter-fraternity council, lauded the measure.
"It's not a draconian 'one strike and you're out,'" he said. "It will take time to change the student culture."
Dreger predicted widespread student support for the measure, and echoed Wechsler's call for student group involvement across campuses, particularly concerning Greek life.
--Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to the reporting of this story.