The college campus is a place of tradition, which is fertile ground for the seeds of myth and folklore. Dorm-whispered stories and campus legends told over and over can help those new to the campus form a sense of belonging, but they can have another deeper, sometimes hidden purpose. These campus stories can also be retold to help reinforce behaviors and, in some cases, various forms of oppression from the historical periods from which they originate. These tales have become embedded in campus cultures and organizational mythos for a reason.

Myths, Mysteries, and the Macabre on American Campuses examines topics like campus myths, dormitory ghost stories, and other fun legends that many colleges have. Each chapter not only retells the story but also investigates each tale's role in reinforcing campus culture and its journey from random tale to campus lore.

Includes stories from Baylor University, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, St. Louis University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Kentucky, Brennau University, Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, St. Cloud State University, Western Carolina University, Ohio University, and University of Alabama.