This paper describes a development project aimed at reducing the large number of dropouts in online degree project courses. The idea was that the introduction of group tutorials in virtual seminars, combined with extensive support materials, would reduce dropout rates. Among the students who participated, the dropout rate was reduced by 50% compared to previous courses. While the support structure was seen by all supervisors and students as an important function, there was some resistance among the supervisors towards the virtual seminars, probably due to existing tutorial cultures and organizational structures. (Contains 3 figures.)