A project was initiated at one private, liberal arts college to respond to the substance use/abuse issues on campus. As a first step in designing the project, a study was conducted to assess the nature and extent of alcohol consumption and drug use by the students. Students (N=247) completed a 10-page questionnaire addressing topics such as consumption patterns, effects of drinking, change in drinking habits since entering college, student perceptions of their parents' attitudes toward their drinking, drug use, and problems associated with drug use. A minority of students reported using drugs, while a majority reported being consumers of alcohol. The results showed that students varied in their drug and alcohol use from abstainers to heavy users. They also differed in their reasons for using these substances, the contexts in which they use them, and the effects they experienced as a result of their use. It is recommended that the university consider various approaches to address diverse populations and to establish procedures designed to prevent substance abuse problems and provide assistance to those for whom alcohol/drug use is a problem. Nine steps completed in the university's Alcohol and Drug Project are listed, eight recommendations for similar efforts at other universities are suggested, and recommendations for efforts at the study university are appended. A 6-page reference list is included. (Author/NB)