This dissertation explored the experiences of fat undergraduate students within higher education institutions, focusing on how these students navigate, negotiate, and contest the structures, norms, and practices of their academic environments with a specific focus on their experiences in the classroom. The study was grounded in the understanding that societal perceptions of body size significantly impact the lived experiences of individuals, particularly within educational settings. The study employed narrative inquiry to capture the personal stories of fat students and their relationship to campus ecology through the lens of Strange and Banning's (2001) Campus Design Matrix's campus environmental design's intended purposes of safety and inclusion, engagement, and community. The findings underscore the need for higher education institutions to create inclusive environments that validate and support all students, regardless of body size. This research contributes to the broader discourse on diversity and inclusion in academia by providing tangible recommendations for fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for fat 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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]