High school students who attend Harvard's summer program and expect to find an authentic college environment may be sorely disappointed. Rather than basking in the glory of newfound independence, their college experience might be distinctly more like high school.

Drinking, partying and various debaucheries are strictly prohibited for students in the Secondary School Program (SSP). At least one student was expelled for underage drinking only three weeks into the program.

"Secondary school students are generally sent home immediately for possession of alcohol," said Summer School Dean of Students Christopher Queen.

The University-mandated rules, however, are very different for high school students in the SSP than for college students taking Harvard Summer School courses.

Undergraduates who commit a similar alcohol-related offense generally face a mere warning or probation.

Queen explained that the disciplinary difference is due to the abbreviated length of the summer program compared to the four-year college experience.

"Summer school is an eight-week program, not a four year program," Queen said. "So our long-term commitment is significantly less. There's not that much at stake for the student, so asking a student to leave is not as momentous a decision."

They Fought the Law

The threat of getting kicked out of summer school along with the SSP's zero-tolerance policy leaves many students unfazed. According to several SSP students, Thayer Hall residents are particularly notorious for disregarding the rules. And, the same students say, their proctors are doing little to stop them.