What's in a Culture? Students' Perceptions of and Experiences with Higher Education Institutional Culture

Presentation at NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education)

When students consider their college’s culture, what comes to mind? This study provides a necessary update to literature on the “distinctive college” in light of social shifts, such as calls forracial justice and COVID-19. Leveraging 54 interviews across 11 higher education institutions (HEIs), I examine students' perceptions of the culture(s) of their HEIs and the diversity ofstudents’ responses to those cultures. This study has implications for student affairs leaders hoping to create more supportive environments for their students.