Head tutors of various departments confirmed this rigor.
In the history, history and literature, and philosophy concentrations, junior tutorial leaders are always advanced graduate students, the head tutors said.
"Tutors need to have passed their oral exams", said Janice Thaddeus, head tutor of history and literature. "It makes them more confident in their knowledge and better prepared to teach."
Yet "exceptional circumstances arise," said Michael G. Hagen, head tutor of the government department. In his department, Hagen said, the result of hiring discrepancies "depends on the details of the matter."
In the case of the master's candidate, the details never came into play.
The master's candidate expressed regret at losing the post, saying that his students "would have had a great year," but added he withdrew to prevent "a political war" in the department.
"I didn't want a whole brouhaha," he said. "I have no ill will toward Professor Lee...and the utmost respect for Dr. Vogel."