This introduction to the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) on college campuses first reviews the development and application of TQM principles in Japanese industries and recent implementation in industries and the Federal Government in the United States. Twelve principles of TQM are then identified: (1) a focus on quality; (2) customer-driven; (3) continuous improvement; (4) making processes work better; (5) extending the mindset; (6) the discipline of information; (7) elimination of rework; (8) teamwork; (9) empowerment of people; (10) training and recognition; (11) vision; and (12) leadership. Common objections to applying TQM principles in higher education are then identified and answered. These include: resistance to seeing students as customers; resistance to the technical language of TQM; inability to see relevance of a business approach to faculty and students; and dismissal of TQM as just good management or just another fad. It is noted that early collegiate adopters of TQM appear to be either prominent research universities or community colleges. Examples of implementation strategies at a variety of educational institutions are then offered. (DB)