“I feel there are two points in the core of the university spirit, first in every little thing in the pursuit of excellence, the second is free and open debate”, Oxford University President Andrew Hamilton at the eve of the coming to Beijing to attend the summit meeting of the global university President, in Oxford accepted exclusive interview of the Xinhua news agency and introduced his views on the university spirit.

 

Oxford University has 800 years of history, which enjoys a high position in the world, is the, and so on, the source of all university in the world, such as English-speaking countries of Britain and the United States. Hamilton said, Oxford University reflects the university spirit, very first with absolute pursuit of excellence in teaching or research, never take points as they are, continue to pursue to do better.

 

World-class universities all have such a spirit. Oxford University President Hamilton was the provost of the Yale University just before, had worked in numerous properly-known universities in Britain and the United States. He said, despite the fact that some systems of Yale and Oxford are not really the exact same, but emphasis in excellence is consistent. Soon after he went to Oxford from Yale, he quickly felt the familiar excellence culture.

 

But on the other hand, no cost and open debate is an critical means of realization of excellence. Hamilton said, Oxford is an open location, where every little thing can take a public discussion, no matter whether academic or administrative affairs. He also singled out that Oxford University is extremely valuable to cultivate unique spirit of free debate.

 

Mr. Hamilton notes that the benefits of this debate in Oxford, “can cultivate a kind of confidence in graduate body.” Oxford University for Britain has cultivated a lot more than 20 prime ministers including present Prime Minister Cameron. Several foreign leaders which includes former US President Bill Clinton have attended there. Hamilton thinks their success is closely related with confidence which Oxford cultivates.

 

He reminds students of the university, do not overmuch consider ranking in selecting, but need to seek schools which suits themselves in academic atmosphere and teaching environment

 

Hamilton also mentioned increasing tuition fees events in British universities recently. Oxford University also increases tuition fees far more than 3 times than prior to. But he said, primarily due to the fact the Oxford University method is costly, and will need far more financial support, “Oxford in no way put education as an business”. He said, according to adjustment policy of tuition of the British government, the fee raised finally will still be used in the student body, and assist them appreciate outstanding education at Oxford.

Oxford College