Tutorial System

Whilst the University organises lectures and exams, the College has responsibility for the individual teaching of its undergraduates, with this usually taking the form of Supervisions.

The University provides lectures, seminars, practicals and classes which are held in University lecture theatres and within Departments (or Faculties) and these are attended by students from all Colleges studying that subject. Timetables are published at the beginning of the academic year in a special issue of the Reporter called the 'Lecture List'. The 'Lecture List' is sold in bookshops and newsagents in the city Centre, as well as being available online at www.admin.cam.ac.uk/reporter. Students will need to have seen a copy of the Reporter and identified the lectures relevant to their course before meeting with their Director of Studies at the beginning of term.

Supervisions are where a small group, typically two or three students meet with a Supervisor to discuss a certain subject / piece of work covered as part of the course. Supervisors can be Fellows or Research Student of Lucy Cavendish College, or from other colleges depending on the subject and the area of expertise required. Attendance to supervisions is essential and obligatory, and any students missing supervisions without just cause (e.g. illness etc.) are liable to be charged for supervisions missed. Directors of Studies will help to choose appropriate Supervisors, as well as overseeing students' academic work, advising on lectures, and monitoring student progress. While the Senior Tutor (Stephanie Ellington) has an overall responsibility for the academic and educational activities of the College.

If students wish to make changes to the arrangements that have been made for them, they must first consult their Director of Studies. For example, if you feel that you need additional supervisions to be arranged for you or if you want to change a Supervisor.

The College also offers a very thorough welfare system for students; every student has a personal Tutor who is available for advice with problems be they pastoral, financial or academic. These Tutors, together with the College Dean, the Senior Tutor herself, and the Student Union Committee members, ensure that all students have lots of help available - should they need it.