Each of these seminars is made up of 12 to 14 students and a single instructor. Learning proceeds by a process of reading, writing and in depth discussions, in which all students are urged to take an active part. A weekly participatory symposium supplements seminar discussions. Also emphasizing excellence in written communication, the program includes extensive writing projects and regular tutorials. A variety of experiential exercises, independent projects (both scholarly and creative), occasional field trips, and extracurricular social gatherings enrich the seminar. The emphasis throughout is on the critical examination of contemporary problems in their historical context. Each student is expected to arrive at conclusions that result from personal reflection and exploration of the ideas of major thinkers in diverse fields.

At the end of every semester the student receives an official grade of Credit or No Credit. The student also is given a copy of a detailed evaluation of his or her work, which is placed in the student's Hutchins file but not entered on the official university record or used to compute a grade point average. This evaluation assesses the student's cognitive skills, seminar participation, understanding of the course content, writing skills, independent project and special course assignments. A written commentary indicates the way in which the student should improve in order to become an effective, lifelong learner. Thus, the evaluation conveys a great deal more information than does a single letter-grade. Unofficial grades can, at the student's request, be made available to other schools, agencies or prospective employers who need a quantitative measure of performance.

If a student's learning style does not fit the Hutchins pedagogy or if a student does not meet the seminar requirements, she or he may receive "Credit" with a probationary or terminal qualification, or a terminal "no credit." If the student's enrollment remains probationary for two semesters, or is terminated, he or she must transfer out of the Hutchins program. Application for readmission may be made after the student has successfully completed at least one semester in the general education program.