APPRAISING THE CHARACTER OF A COLLEGE

The effectiveness of college and university consultants depends on whe ther or not they understand and appreciate the institutional context i n which they are working. Using examples from different types of colle ges and universities, the author of this article describes how three c lusters of institutional properties (mission, philosophy, culture) wor k together to influence the behavior of students, faculty, and adminis trators. Four suggestions are offered for consultants who wish to inco rporate appraisals of institutional character in their work.