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164 Text C. The University of Oxford Motto: Dominus Illuminatio Mea (Latin) Motto in English: The Lord is my Light Established: Unknown, teaching existed since 1096 Type: Public Endowment: £3.6 billion (inc. colleges) Students: 19,486 Undergraduates: 11,300 Postgraduates: 7,380 Location: Oxford, England, UK The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University , or simply Oxford ), located in the city of Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is also regarded as one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The name is sometimes abbreviated as Oxon . The University has 38 independent colleges, and 6 permanent pri- vate halls. The university traces its roots back to at least the end of the 12th century, although the exact date of foundation remains unclear. After a dispute be- tween students and townsfolk that broke out in 1209, some of the academics at Oxford fled north-east to the town of Cambridge, where the University of Cambridge was founded. The two universities have had a long history of competition with each other since those times. Colleges There are 38 colleges of the University of Oxford and 6 Permanent Private Halls, each with its own internal structure and activities. All students, and most academic staff, are affiliated with a college. The heads of Oxford col- leges are known by various titles, according to the college, including warden, provost, principal, president, rector, master or dean. The colleges join together as the Conference of Colleges to discuss policy and to deal with the central University administration. Teaching members of the colleges (fellows and tu- tors) are collectively and familiarly known as dons (though the term is rarely used by members of the university itself). In addition to residential and dining facilities, the colleges provide social, cultural, and recreational activities for their members. Colleges have responsibility for admitting undergraduates and organising their tuition; for graduates, this responsibility falls upon the depart- ments.