For the college campus, "place" means much more than just geography and physical setting. It is the sum of the experiences, activities, events, and memories that occur within the campus and as its result. This book takes note of the fact that American higher education institutions are giving renewed attention to the question of how the quality and character of place can support the endeavors of the institutions. "American Places" calls for campuses to be conceived not only to heighten the quality of the learning experience, but also to be working demonstrations of how places everywhere can become more healthy, humane, civic environments. Although campuses and communities are being reshaped by societal forces, the campus will endure as a vital civic learning environment well into the 21st century.