The work of a tutor ‘is more of influence than of instruction. But at the same time influence is gained through the reputation of scholarship etc, and the very duty which comes on a Tutor is to do that which the pupil cannot do for himself, e.g. to explain difficulties in the works read in lecture, and to give aid in the higher classics, or to cram for examinations.’ (Newman to T. W. Allies, 1857)

Ideally, Newman hoped that each collegiate house at the Catholic University would have a residential tutor, who by being on the spot could more easily care for and supervise the students in their studies and moral development; by associating more with them, he would have greater opportunity of forming the minds and manners of his pupils, and thereby would give more assistance and moral support to the head of house.