The tutorial system at Lancaster started with the Founding Fathers of the University in the 1960s when it was decided that Lancaster should be a Collegiate University. The first Vice Chancellor Sir Charles Carter set the pattern whereby Lancaster was to be a University with concern for both the academic progress and the general welfare of all its students, undergraduate and post-graduate.

Lancaster has established a deserved reputation in this respect. From the beginning, considerable effort was made to ensure that no student should fail for non-academic reasons. Accordingly, a number of mechanisms and procedures were introduced among which are: a Mid-Session Reporting System (MSR); intercalation; Departmental academic review; Access hardship loans; Colleges' and Welfare Services; Student Support; etc.

So that these mechanisms can operate, it was felt necessary that every student should have a Senior Member to whom they could turn for advice and support when dealing with their Department, the University Authorities or any outside Organization. This person was to be his or her College 'Tutor'.

In practice the tutors role is rarely onerous or time-consuming. More often, it is extremely rewarding. A friendly face and an ability to listen can often resolve issues before they become major ones. Only on rare occasions does a student make a significant demand on his or her College Tutor.