Recent developments in the social policy literature suggest a growing overlap in community and social policy interests and methods. This combination of community and policy interests is illustrated by tracing successive steps of the Illinois Residential Life Survey in order to support programming decisions about community mental health in a college environment. Specifically, data about the influence of the social environment on alcohol consumption were needed. The Illinois Residential Life Survey was administered to approximately 3,000 students in 130 residence hall floors, fraternities, and sororities. The cost of the research, and its benefits for planning interventions are enumerated. The survey was useful in identifying meaningful dimensions which differentiate living groups by their beliefs about alcohol consumption, characteristic drinking styles, and labelling of deviant drinking. These dimensions are related to social climate, and are not simply distinctions between males and females or residence halls and Greek houses. (BW)