ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Culture is a ubiquitous word on college campuses, with references to this elusive concept readily available. A culture of evidence, an entitlement culture, African American student culture, and faculty culture are phrases used in the higher education vernacular. Th ese expressions attempt to defi ne the character of an institution or perhaps the character to which the institution aspires. Th ese depictions of institutional character and ways of operating convey the idea of “organizations as meaning systems” (Parker, 2000, p. 13); that is, meaning systems craft ed by the people within them. Th is chapter uses the rich off erings from anthropology as a foundation from which to discuss culture as a way to view higher education organizations. Th is perspective can help make meaning of the rituals and ceremonies, architecture, sagas, language, and other features that exist within colleges and universities.
