A case study of the first 10 years of the University of Papua New Guinea is presented, with attention focused on the function, structure, and character of a new university in a newly independent nation. The analysis is based on the three issues of adaptation, conflict, and change, and the case study is designed to test how well past social theories fit the reality of a new university in a Melanesian environment, which is characterized by oral transmission of culture, an agricultural economy (until recently), and its history as a colony. The establishment of the University, difficulties with the Australian Department of Territories, early university leaders, and various kinds of struggles are described. Additional considerations include: the contribution of staff to the educational and political life of the colony and new nation, problems facing new students, social problems arising from bringing together sometimes antagonistic people, and the special problems of the small minority of women on campus. Finally, the complex organization of the university and the external environment are examined, including the challenge of reconciling the problems of local relevance with the demands of international standards of scholarship. The methodological and theoretical frameworks for the analysis are also discussed. (SW)