Two individuals within a College are of particular importance to an undergraduate, their Director of Studies, and their Tutor. The Director of Studies looks after the academic welfare of a student, and the Tutor looks after his or her personal welfare. Originally teaching was handled by the Colleges and the University was responsible for the examination of candidates and the award of degrees. Today, teaching has largely shifted out of the Colleges, and into the Departments. This was begun by the Science subjects because the resources required were beyond the reach of any one College, but is now also the case with the Arts subjects.
Departments are now responsible for the organisation of lectures and practicals.
These are usually organised by the Colleges, a historical reminder of the days when the Colleges handled all teaching internally. Supervisions often, but not always, take place in a College. Examinations are still administered by the University, and sat in Examination Halls rather than in the Colleges. Degrees are awarded by the University, and graduation ceremonies take place in the University Senate House. Undergraduates are admitted to a College, and on Matriculation also become members of the University.