The concept and practices of being student-centered in classrooms have been researched. However, organizational research regarding the two is limited. This study explored how students and administrators understand and experience what student-centeredness means. It expands the conversation and contributes to the understanding of the organizational aspects of student-centered education. Data were collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews with 23 participants from five institutions located in three regions of the United States. Findings included four characteristics that students and administrators stated were important to being a student-centered institution: Developing Student Agency, Understanding Student Complexity, Collaborative Relationships, and Organizational Clarity and Alignment. Each characteristic describes an aspect of the relationship between an institution and its students. Five organizational approaches to student-centered education also emerged from the data: an orientation to formal education that considers individuals enrolled in degree programs consumers; an institutional environment and culture that supports inclusive decision making, considers the student's perspective and regularly assesses the impact of institutional decisions on the student's educational journey; an institutional focus on the academic goals and personal growth of the learner; a structure where the learner is provided guidance and support in customizing the educational journey to meet their individual interests and life experience; and an organizational model of education that includes structures for participatory shared governance and collaborative decision making between faculty, administrators, and students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]