History & organization of University of Oxford
History
The university’s founding date is uncertain and could have occurred several times in different occasions, but there is evidence of the presence of a center of learning and teaching at least since 1096
When Henry II of England forbade English students to study at the ‘ University of Paris in 1167 , Oxford began to grow very quickly. The foundation of the first residences for students, who later became known as ‘colleges’, dates from that period or in subsequent years.
Following the killing of two students accused of committing crimes in 1209 , the university was dismantled, giving rise to the founding of the ‘ University of Cambridge . On 20 June 1214 the University returned to Oxford with a charter negotiated by Nicholas de Romanis , a papal legate.
The status of the University of Oxford was then formally confirmed by the ‘Act for the Incorporation of Both Universities in 1571 , in which the university’s official title is The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford
Organization:
Oxford is a collegiate university type: The central features are the university departments and faculties, libraries and laboratories, and 39 colleges and 7 permanent private halls (PPHs). All teachers and graduate students must belong to a college (or PPHs).
These colleges are not only houses of residence, but have substantial importance for the education of graduates of the first level and second level. Some colleges only accept second-level graduates.
Only one college St Hilda’s , accepting only women (although many religious colleges accept only men).
The organization of the university college is derived from birth through the amalgamation of progressive independent schools in the town of Oxford.
As for intercollegiate administration, the University is divided into faculties and departments as most of the universities.
The Departments have an important role in doctoral studies and are increasing their importance in the teaching of the first level, organizing courses and exams. They are also centers of research, funded from the outside, often from major research organizations. Although many colleges are interested in research, most do not have specific expertise in the organization
The main legislative body is called the University Congregation , and the assembly of all academics who teach in the university. Originally the main legislative body was another body, called Convocation , which includes all graduates of the University, which until 1949 elected two deputies [in which the University was entitled.
The Convocation now has very limited functions, mainly to elect the Chancellor (especially symbolic charge), which in 2003 is Chris Patten. The executive body of the universities and the Hebdomadal Council , which includes the Vice-Chancellor, now Dr John Hood , the Heads of Departments and other members elected by the “Congregation”.
Besides the present House of Congregation, there is also another old organization, the Ancient House of Congregation, which has survived in some way for reforms in the nineteenth century and today meets only for the granting of academic titles.
The academic year is divided into three terms, each of eight weeks. The first, Michaelmas begins the day of St. Michael ( 29 September until early December , that said Hilary lasts usually from January to before Easter , Trinity finally after Easter to June . These divisions are among the shortest of all universities English, and the workload is high