The tutor system within a university hall of residence at Flinders University of South Australia and a method of inquiry used to study the system are examined. Interviews with residence hall tutors revealed four concerns: the need for guidelines, the nature of academic tutoring, pastoral care and its implications, and communication channels within the residence hall. Transcripts of the interviews were distributed to participants and group meetings with tutors and others were held to discuss possible solutions to problems and to develop action plans. Throughout these meetings there were valuable discussions but no clear plan of action emerged. Tutors were again interviewed individually and a report was prepared based on their perceptions of the tutoring system. Meetings were also held to discuss the draft guidelines for tutors. The interview questions and responses and transcriptions of meetings are presented, along with the guidelines. The discussions cover the various roles of the tutor, including academic tutoring, one-to-one tutoring, group tutoring, social activities in the hall, pastoral care, supervision, and administrative responsibilities. Views on the action research model that was followed are also included. (SW)