The Colleges of Oxford University Brad McFadden London: The Biography 4/12/07

About the University The University of Oxford is comprised of 39 Colleges and 7 Permanent Private Halls. The oldest university in the English-speaking world. The Times newspaper placed the University 1st in the UK and 3rd worldwide in 2007. A total of 23,620 attend the University, 15,650 Undergraduates, and 7,970 Postgraduates.

History The first academic houses were monastic halls. The modern permanent private hall of Blackfriars (1921) is a descendant of the original (1221) In 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student, set in train the University’s tradition of international scholarly links.

History Cont. In the 13th century, rioting between townspeople and students hastened the establishment of primitive halls of residence. These were succeeded by the first of Oxford’s colleges. University, Balliol, and Merton Colleges, established between 1249 and 1264, are the oldest.

Some Facts During the Reformation in the 16th century, the Anglican churchmen Cranmer, Latimer, and Ridley were tried for heresy and burnt at the stake in Oxford. The University was Royalist in the Civil War, and Charles I held a counter-Parliament in the Convocation House. In the late 17th century, the Oxford philosopher John Locke was suspected of treason.

More Facts During the 18th century, Edmund Halley, Professor of Geometry, predicted the return of the comet that bears his name. One of the leaders of The Oxford Movement, John Henry Newman, became a Roman Catholic in 1845 and was later made a Cardinal. In 1860 the new University Museum was the scene of a famous debate between Thomas Huxley, champion of evolution, and Bishop Wilberforce.

Recent History From 1878, academic halls were established for women, who became members of the University in 1920. Since 1974, all but one of Oxford’s 39 colleges have changed their statutes to admit both men and women. Only St. Hilda’s remains only for women until 2009 when they will accept male members.

Structure of the University The Vice-Chancellor, who holds office for up to seven years, is the senior officer of the University. Five Pro-Vice-Chancellors have specific, functional responsibility for: Development and External Affairs Education Personnel and Equal Opportunities Planning and Resources Research The Chancellor, serves as the figure head of the University, presiding over all major ceremonies.

Structure cont. The principal policy-making body is the Council of the University. Day-to-day decision-making in matters such as finance and planning is devolved to the University's four Academic Divisions. The thirty-nine Colleges, though independent and self-governing, form a core element of the University, to which they are related in a federal system.

Rivalries Between Colleges Often two neighboring colleges will be rivals. A current rivalry came as a result of the 2006 rugby Cuppers final between Pembroke and St. Peter’s that culminated in a fight between each colleges respective mascots.

Tourists http://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/ Some four million tourists visit the Oxford area each year, spending some 250 million pounds and creating around 5,300 jobs. The University welcomes visitors, balancing their interests with the needs of its own members. Information on opening times and conditions of access is available from the Information Office. http://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/