The ASEUT had been founded in 1890 (as the Philadelphia Society for the Extension of University Teaching) under impetus from William Pepper, Provost of the University of Pennsylvania. It modelled itself after the English system of university extension that had been pioneered by Cambridge and Oxford. A. Stephen Stephan has observed that 'The national society was an advisory organization, printing syllabi of courses, booking lectures, and helping local groups through advice and suggestions in extension activity.'...an early commentator from the ASEUT noted that, while 'In England the Unit Course consists usually of twelve lectures and exercises,' in America 'the timidity of local committees renders it inexpedient to attempt to introduce such an extended course.'

....From the beginning the ASEUT worked closely with its English counterparts, and sought to bring 'leading lecturers from abroad for the strengthening of the system in this country.' (John Cowper Powys at the Iris Club, by Constance Harsh, Powys Notes 1992)