governance

St Hilda’s College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford, which admits Undergraduate, Graduate and Visiting Students.

St Hilda's College was founded by Dorothea Beale in 1893 as a Hall for Women Students. The College received its first Royal Charter in 1926 when it was incorporated under the title “Principal and Council of St Hilda’s College, Oxford”. In 1960, it became a College of the University, and since 2007 has permitted the admission of male students.

The College is an eleemosynary chartered charitable corporation aggregate, registered with the Charity Commission. It is constituted and regulated in accordance with the College Charter, Statutes, and By-Laws, the terms of which are enforceable ultimately by the Visitor, The Rt Hon, the Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, GBE.

The Governing Body determines the ongoing strategic direction of the College and holds overall responsibility for College policies, finances and administration. It meets under the chairmanship of the Principal and is advised by a range of Standing Committees. Subject to the oversight of the Standing Committees, the day-to-day running of the College is entrusted to the College Officers and senior staff.

St Hilda’s College seeks to be a friendly and well-regulated academic community. Key College policies are listed below, with additional policies related to employment, conduct and College life available in the Student or Staff Handbooks.

All College members are expected to abide by College policies, which are kept under review and updated by various Standing Committees on behalf of the Governing Body. Where the College does not have a specific policy, we adhere to University of Oxford policies and guidance.