Students have noticed posters with slogans about drinking on college campuses. These are the first in a series of "social norming" posters and they have been greeted with mixed reactions by the student body.

"Social norming comes from the theory which is based on studies that show that most college students misinterpret their peers drinking habits, which they tend to exaggerate. We then conducted a survey which provided us with the real statistics that are featured on the posters," said Janice Kessler, program coordinator and alcohol and drug counselor.

This semester, a few posters have debuted in hallways and classrooms. The posters feature statistics that are meant to show the truth about Sacred Heart students and drinking.

Jeff Linkenbach from Montana State University first created the project. Since then the strategy of social norming campaigns have been used at over 30 campuses nation wide.

Kessler and her team approached the State Department of Transportation for a grant to fund the project.

"The counseling center wanted to take on this type of campaign and get rid of the negative approach towards college drinking and start gearing more towards the positive, with the students here at SHU," said senior Alex Volpe, a Peer Educator.

Kessler explains what is different about social norming campaigns as opposed to other anti-alcohol ones.

"We're used to health terrorism, to mock accidents; the reality is that most SHU students don't drink and drive. Most students know you're not supposed to drink and drive. Instead of scaring people, we're taking positive responses," said Kessler.

The results that are featured on the posters were compiled from a survey of approximately 500 students in random classrooms.

"I've had mixed reactions from students and staff; some don't believe it. The results have been very positive, but most people on the campus like that it's a positive approach rather than fear based information," said Kessler.

But there are some students who don't agree with the posters.

"I think the results are unrealistic," said junior Christina Langella. "When most kids go out they have at least three drinks before they go out, not including their time at the bar, because drinks are so expensive. Also, for a guy to have only four drinks is nothing."

Some students felt that the survey didn't represent the population of the student body.

"I'd like to know who they surveyed," said junior Kaitlyn Atwood. "I wasn't surveyed. I don't remember hearing about anyone coming to classrooms. I think everyone should have gotten their chance to share their opinions."

In response to those who do not believe that the survey results were accurate, Kessler said, "student's perceptions are developed by whom they hang out with. They are making a judgment based on what they see. We can't believe that 502 students lied."

But there are some students who do like the idea of having the posters around campus.

"I think that the posters are a great idea," said senior Caitlin Roberts, Peer Educator. "To have students realize that the perception of how SHU is all about the alcohol scene is really the opposite."

Junior Megan Black agreed.

"I go out to the bars often, but it's more to hang out and be with my friends then to get so drunk that I'm dysfunctional. When my friends do that, that's when I want to go home," said Black.

The latest series of posters with new images and slogans debuted on Feb. 9. According to Kessler, another set of new posters will be released in April and the program will continue again in the fall.