In the interest of informing the process of intervention program planning, the article considers the etiology of violence in the college and university setting. It pays particular attention to beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors as they pertain to the relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of being the perpetrator as well as the victim of violence, and suggests primary prevention and intervention efforts. Additionally, the article introduces a multidimensional, social-ecological model, inclusive of intrapersonal, situational, and environmental aspects of the dilemma, and recommends ways to curb the irresponsible use of alcohol. Taking action to diminish the risk of violence and ameliorate its consequences will mean acknowledging that there is a problem and making changes in existing campus traditions, norms, rules, and culture. Notes, references