Founded in 1096 in Oxford, England, Oxford University is the oldest English-speaking university in the world. Over the nine centuries since then, Oxford has graduated five kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners, 25 British Prime Ministers, nine current holders of the Order of Merit, three Saints, 18 Cardinals and 85 Archbishops.

The Tutorial Method has been used at Oxford for more than 500 years. It is a rigorous, individualized method of teaching and learning. Each Oxford student has an academic tutor (an Advisor or Professor). An Oxford education emphasizes learning to think through research and writing. Oxford students are responsible for planning their own time and ensuring that the requisite work is accomplished.

Oxford has characteristics not usually seen at American universities, among them:

• Students are treated as individuals.
• It is easy to meet with faculty members, even senior ones.
• Independent learning is emphasized as opposed to teaching by the faculty.
• Learning is accomplished through research and writing.
• Students are expected to discuss their written work with their tutors one-on-one.
• Degree programs are more specialized.

In contrast, most American universities offer their programs and courses with:

• Large lecture classes
• Standardized courses
• Negligible writing assignments
• Little one-on-one contact with faculty
• Little customization of an individual student's program
• Negligible attention to the individual student

At Rushmore, we have adapted the Oxford Tutorial Method to the online environment of the Internet and email. You communicate with your Professor by email or telephone as often as you need to. If you happen to live near a Faculty member, you may arrange to meet with him or her in person. This personal approach to learning, featuring frequent interaction with your Professor, affords the Rushmore student greater flexibility and support than at conventional schools.

Oxford students must be able to present and defend their own opinions and to accept constructive criticism and advice. Tackling topics in depth and defending the arguments in their written work sharpens their thinking. As a student at Rushmore, you will have the benefit of the Oxford Tutorial Method. Our online adaptation of the Oxford approach will help you to develop such skills as:

• Time management: the ability to organize your own work schedule rather than have it imposed on you
• Argumentation: the ability to present a point of view
• Critical assessment: the ability to understand, evaluate and respond to the ideas of others

As with the Oxford student, your success with the tutorial approach depends upon your ability to study independently under the guidance of your Professor. The primary purpose of the Oxford Tutorial Method is to teach you how to teach yourself. This is the most important academic lesson you will ever learn.