Student Life
Manchester University is committed to providing quality programs and services that enhance and diversify the personal, academic and social experience of students.
Students are respected members of the University community with opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities directly affecting the operation of the institution. It is through this involvement that responsible leadership and citizenship are encouraged and nurtured.
Student Experience
Counseling
Manchester University offers a variety of counseling services and programs for all students. This includes individual, couple and/or group counseling in such areas as interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, identity, adjustment, stress management, depression, grief and loss, and other concerns that are emotional, spiritual or social in nature.
The director of counseling services is a licensed clinical social worker. The assistant director of counseling holds a master's degree in social work and is currently working toward the clinical license. Both the director and the assistant director have the ability to see students for any of the above mentioned concerns, though the assistant director focuses primarily on issues related to alcohol and other drugs. Other members of the counseling team hold graduate degrees and possess an appropriate combination of education and/or experience to meet the needs of students.
Counseling team members include the director and assistant director of counseling and facilitators including the director of intercultural services, the campus pastor, and the director of residential life. Facilitators are not prepared to address mental health needs, but are available to assist students to deal with the transition to college, to help students explore options and link to resources, or simply to listen and talk out thoughts or feelings about a concern or need. The University counseling staff maintains relationships with community professionals and can make referrals, as appropriate, to meet a student’s individualized medical and/or counseling needs off campus when necessary. The confidentiality of the counseling relationship is honored by the University counseling staff.
Residential Life 
Manchester University is a residential institution by tradition, design and educational philosophy. The University believes that significant social, spiritual and intellectual growth occurs when students live in a residential setting. The interaction between people, the intellectual stimulus when discussing topics with others, the learning to be responsible for one’s actions, and the education of the total person are all vital parts of the residence hall experience.
Residence halls are operated and staffed by professional hall directors and are assisted by student staff (resident assistants) who are selected based on their judgment, maturity and ability to relate to others. Each hall has elected officers who comprise the hall government. Giving leadership to the hall staff is the director of residential life who is responsible for the management and administration of the program including policy implementation and environmental issues within the residence halls.
Residence hall rooms are designed for double occupancy. When space is available, a single room may be rented at additional cost during the spring semester.
Rooms are furnished with beds, dressers, desks, chairs and a bookcase. Students furnish their own linens as well as other supplies that fit personal needs. Laundry facilities are available in each residence hall.
All residence hall students are required to be on a food service meal plan. In addition, kitchenettes and microwave ovens are provided in each hall for special meal preparation and snacks.
Manchester has a limited number of on-campus apartments for students who are juniors or seniors.
Religious Life
Manchester University provides opportunities to explore, develop and nurture a living faith in an environment of respect for religious diversity. The University maintains a valued relationship with the Church of the Brethren, a Christian denomination recognized as an historic peace church. Church of the Brethren heritage believes in faith actively lived out in reconciliation, service, simple living, community and nonresistant love as taught and modeled by Jesus Christ. The Church of the Brethren also affirms that no one should be compelled to subscribe to a particular creed or doctrine.
Religious life on campus is facilitated by the Campus Interfaith Board, the Religious Life Committee and the campus pastor. Students may choose to participate in prayer and Bible study groups, weekly chapel and praise services, fellowship activities and a variety of student groups. Students also are encouraged to participate in local congregations.
The campus pastor provides leadership for weekly worship and study groups and counseling for personal and spiritual issues. Petersime Chapel is always open as a place of prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection.
Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is designed to provide enriched social, cultural and educational experiences for ethnically diverse students as well as opportunities for all members of the campus community to learn about the heritage and culture of these tradionally under-represented groups. This mission is accomplished via sponsored programs designed to raise awareness, foster cross-cultural interaction and exchange, increase understanding and ultimately encourage a "global perspective" on education.
From new student receptions, fairs/festivals and organizations for students of color and international students, the Office of Multicultural Affairs makes many exciting contributions to Manchester University and the community of North Manchester.
Located in the Manchester University Intercultural Center (605 E. College Ave.), OMA is home to the Asian Awareness Association (AAA), African Student Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU), Hispanos Unidos (HU), and Manchester University International Association (MUIA).
Student Health
The health center, located in Calvin Ulrey Hall, is staffed by a registered nurse (8 AM-5 PM) Monday - Friday and trained student health assistants who provide 24-hour coverage of student illness and/or injury while classes are in session. Care is provided without charge for minor illnesses and injuries. More serious problems are referred to a local physician, family physician or specialist. The cost of health care beyond that provided by the health center is the responsibility of the student or the student’s family.
Health education is an important part of the services. Cause, care, prevention and after care are all addressed.
All full-time and part-time students are required to have completed a Health Record which includes; personal history, physical, and immunization record (required: meningitis, two measles, mumps, and rubella, tetanus-diphtheria within 10 years and tuberculin skin test within the last year). The Health Record form is available online prior to enrollment. It is also located on the Health Service web site. The completed Health Record form must be on file with the University prior to the start of first semester classes.
Medical Insurance
Manchester University does not provide insurance coverage for domestic students. International students should refer to the Designated School Official for the instiutitional policy regarding student health insurance. The medical policy for international students is designed to ease the burden of expense for illness or injury. A brochure describing the plan is located on the Health Services web site.
Manchester University does not assume any liability for medical expenses incurred as a result of participation in intercollegiate athletics. Payment for all claims under the athletic insurance is secondary to other insurance.
Personal Property Insurance
The University does not carry insurance on the personal property of faculty members, students or employees, and is not responsible for any damage, loss of property by fire, theft or other contingency.
Campus Safety
Manchester University maintains its own Campus Safety Department that includes patrolling campus buildings and grounds, supervision of parking areas, and assisting with the maintenance of order in the campus community. A fully trained, uniformed officer is on duty and patrolling the campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The officer may be contacted through their office in The Clark Computer Center or by phoning 260-982-5388. When reporting an emergency or incident, dial 260-982-5999, and an officer will take a report and follow up on your information.
Student Success
Career and Professional Development
Manchester’s concern for the broad development of its students is expressed in a variety of services and programs directly related to career development. The mission of the Office of Career and Professional Development is to help individuals learn strategies to explore, evaluate & implement career goals that reflect their life values. Career planning focuses on exploring interest, personality, values, and skills. With this information, students can explore specific career fields matching their preferences. Students wishing to receive direction during this process can utilize individual counseling, career assessments, events, classes and workshops.
The Office of Career and Professional Development supplies students with a large amount of resources. The website is loaded with up-to-date career information. Additionally, Spartan Jobs is an online job database provided to seek out and apply to internships, on-campus employment, summer jobs, and permanent employment. A new phone app will allow students instant access to resources as well as an individual professional development tracking tool. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the multiple opportunities provided by Career and Professional Development such as the annual Career Expo to learn about career interest, Career and Internship Fair, on-campus interviews, Manchester Mentors Program, Networking Nights, local job fairs, and much more!
Students are also encouraged to seek out individual assistance from Career Coaches on a variety of topics including job, internship and graduate school search strategies. Additionally the staff offers appointments and workshops centered on techniques for resume writing, interviewing, professional branding and creating professional correspondence. Support in preparing for graduate exams or graduate school application materials is available as well. The Office of Career and Professional Development also administers the Manchester University Employment Guarantee.
The Office of Career and Professional Studies is housed in the Success Center on the second floor of the Jo Young Switzer Center.
Success Center
The Success Center exists to assist students in defining, clarifying, and achieving their academic, professional, and personal goals to enhance their Manchester University experience. It combines a wide range of services to assist students including Academic Support, the Writing Center, and coordination of study tables for various classes. The Success Center is housed on the second floor of the Jo Young Switzer Center.
Center for Service Opportunities (CSO) Come Serve Others
Manchester University has a long reputation for its many service projects and volunteer opportunities for students, faculty and staff. The Center for Service Opportunities encompasses the Office of Volunteer Services, the Indiana Reading Corps Office and Library, and a student service office for Habitat for Humanity, service clubs, Circle K, Relay for Life, and Pathways. By locating these offices together, a wonderful collaboration of service has been formed.
The Center for Service Opportunities provides:
- Volunteer opportunities with worthwhile initiatives
- Service opportunities to make a difference in the local community
- Ideas and programs for service learning classes and projects
- Meeting areas and supplies for service clubs and organizations
- Support services for students, faculty and staff
- Federal Work Study job opportunities with the Indiana Reading Corps
- Grant opportunities for volunteer and service ventures
- Placement and monitoring of students for faculty who include service learning in their curricula
- A library of service learning materials
Indiana Reading Corps
Indiana Reading Corps has been active on the Manchester University campus since 1997. This educational program successfully matches Manchester students with elementary age children from 23 local schools to provide one-on-one reading sessions to help improve reading skills, comprehension and vocabulary. More than 250 Manchester students who participate give three to five hours a week as reading coaches for designated children who are reading below their grade level. Only those students who are work-study eligible can receive pay for being reading coaches, in addition to the satisfaction of helping a child. Volunteers are always welcomed. Student reading coaches are trained, supported and matched through an organized program run by professional staff.
Pathways Summer Service Program
Pathways is a calling: A calling to DO something; become employed, move to another part of the country, change careers. It is a calling to BE something; more creative, less judgmental, more loving, less fearful. It is a calling TOWARD something, a calling to CHANGE something, and most of all, a calling toward whatever we've DARED and DOUBLE-DARED ourselves to do for as long as we could remember! It is finding your PASSION and leads you in your search for your vocation.
The Pathways program sends students from Manchester University to volunteer at host sites across the United States. In addition to helping those in need, the students are enriched in many aspects of life. Open to students of all majors, Pathways encourages Manchester University students to explore career vocation through service, and allows them to consider their faith in light of their current and future career aspirations. The Pathways Program is an extended service opportunity which occurs over summer.
Campus Policies
Manchester University has policies and guidelines that define the actions of the University community and govern both the rights and the expectations of its members. The Source, the student handbook, provides a listing and rationale for all policies that apply to members of the University community. More details are available here www.manchester.edu/_img/thesource.pdf.
Students who seek admission should be aware of University regulations and be prepared to abide by these policies while enrolled at Manchester University.
The University reserves the right to dismiss or suspend any student at any time when, in the judgment of University authorities, such action is advisable. Upon registration at Manchester University, the student expressly concedes this right to the University. It is understood that attendance at Manchester University is a privilege, not a right, and that this privilege may be withdrawn in the case of any student who does not adhere to the objectives or policies of Manchester University.
University Residence Policy
Manchester University supports the intrinsic benefits provided in a residential collegiate experience. All students attending Manchester University are required to live on campus for three years unless they are married, are classified as a senior, or are living in their parents’ primary place of residence within 40 miles of North Manchester.
Automobile Regulations
The use of automobiles and other vehicles on the campus is governed by regulations published in The Source. All students, faculty and staff members’ cars must be registered and bear the identification decal, obtained at the Department of Campus Safety, 1305 East St.
Owners will be held responsible for the proper use of their vehicles, even when driven by other persons.
Privacy and Student Records
Manchester University collects, records and uses information about students to carry out its educational mission. The University recognizes its responsibility for protecting the privacy rights of students regarding their academic and personal records. Students are provided access to information contained in their own official education records, a procedure for correction or deletion of inaccuracies found in their records, and a degree of control over the release of information from their records.
Certain items of personal information are considered directory information and may be published without students’ permission. These include name, dates of attendance, degrees earned, local and home address, e-mail address, phone number, major, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight, and honors received.
A student has the right to request in writing, prior to the first day of classes of any semester, that any item listed as directory information not be released without his/her consent.
Procedures for student access to records may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.
Co-Curricular Activities
Student Activities
The University offers a wide variety of leadership and participation opportunities that encourage student decision making, activity planning, and accountability in all areas of student activities, programming and recreation. Descriptions of each organization can be found in The Source.
| Honorary Organizations |
Departmental Clubs |
| Alpha Psi Omega (Drama) |
Accounting and Business Club |
| Psi Chi (Psychology) |
American Chemical Society |
| Psychological Society |
Economics Club |
| Social Service Club |
Computer Science Club |
| |
Exercise Science Club |
| Clubs and Organizations |
Manchester University Athletic Training Club |
| African Students Association |
Manchester University Environmental Club |
| American Fisheries Society |
Political Science Club |
| Artists Anonymous |
Pre-Law/Mock Trial |
| Ballroom and Latin Dance Club |
Society of Physics Students |
| Black Student Union |
Spartan Sport Management |
| Campus Interfaith Board |
Student Education Association |
| Circle K |
Students Pondering About Mathematics |
| College Democrats |
|
| College Republicans |
Governance and Judicial |
| Commuter Student Association |
Conduct Review Board |
| Dance Team |
Residence Hall Association |
| Disney Club |
Residence Hall Councils |
| Fashion Club |
Security Cadets |
| Fellowship of Christian Athletes |
Student Budget Board |
| Feminist Student Union |
Student Senate |
| Fishing Club |
|
| Habitat for Humanity |
|
| Hispanos Unidos |
Musical Ensembles |
| History Club |
Cantabile |
| Kenapocomoco Coalition |
A Cappella Choir |
| Knitting Club |
Chamber Singers |
| League Academy |
Choral Society |
| Love Your Melon |
Jazz Ensemble |
| Manchester Activities Council |
Manchester Symphony Orchestra |
| Manchester Catholics |
Opera Workshop |
| Manchester University Euchre Society |
Symphonic Band |
| Manchester University International Association |
|
| Manchester University Literacy Council |
Media |
| Minecraft Club |
Aurora yearbook |
| Mock Trial |
Oak Leaves newspaper |
| Model United Nations |
Spectrum literary magazine |
| National Communication Association Student Club (NCASC) |
WBKE radio station |
| Pre-Pharmacy Club |
|
| Pre-Professionals of Science |
Intramural Program |
| Project HOPE |
Basketball |
| Puppies of Ability and Conviction |
Flag Football |
| Simply Brethren |
Indoor Soccer |
| Student Athletic Advisory Committee |
Sand Volleyball |
| Students for Justice in Palestine |
Softball |
| Students for Sensible Drug Policy |
Volleyball |
| Swim Club |
3 on 3 Volleyball |
| The 300 |
special events throughout the year |
| Theatre Society | |
| Tri-Beta | |
| Ultimate Frisbee Club | |
| United Sexualities | |
| Urban Gaming Club | |
| We Are Board | |
| | |
|
|
The Student Activities Office, located in the basement of Calvin Ulrey, houses the offices of the director of student activities, Student Senate, Student Budget Board and Manchester Activities Council. The Student Activities Office is the clearinghouse for all student organizations and has several resources available to assist them in their development and growth.
Every full-time student pays an activities fee. These funds are allocated by the Student Budget Board, in response to budget requests from registered student organizations. Each spring, students evaluate the overall program of campus activities which influences the student activities fee appropriations for the following year. This process provides the opportunity for all students to have input on out-of-class activities.
Intramural Sports and Recreation
An extensive intramural sports and recreation program provides opportunities for members of the University community to participate in a variety of individual, dual, and team sports and recreational activities, including co-recreational teams. The IM Staff have responsibility for planning and implementing the program.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Varsity sports are a key component to campus life at Manchester. Both the men and women compete as members of NCAA Division III and are part of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC). Member institutions of the HCAC are Anderson University, Bluffton University, Defiance College, Earlham College, Franklin College, Hanover College, Mount St. Joseph University, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, Transylvania University and Manchester University. Intercollegiate sports for the men include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and wrestling. Women compete in basketball, cross country, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, golf and volleyball.
Eligibility for Athletics
To be eligible to compete in athletics at Manchester University a student must meet three standards. They must: (1) be in academic good standing, (2) make normal academic progress, (3) meet the 12 semester hour load requirement.
- Academic Good Standing. Students are not regarded to be in academic good standing if they are placed on academic probation as defined in Academic Probation and Disqualification.
- Normal Academic Progress. To meet the normal academic progress standard, a student must have passed 12 semester hours in the first semester of attendance and thereafter 24 hours in the previous two consecutive semesters of attendance. (January and summer sessions may be used to reach this total.)
- Semester Hour Load Requirement. A student must be enrolled in 12 semester hours to be eligible to practice or compete.
The normal academic progress standard may be met with transferrable credits from other institutions. Credits, not grades, earned at other accredited institutions transfer to Manchester University. Students are advised to check with the registrar in advance as to whether or not coursework will transfer.
Eligibility to compete in athletics is determined at the beginning of fall and spring semesters.
Student Services
Business Office
The Business Office is located in the Administration Buidling. It provides a variety of services to the University community, including check cashing, money orders and other financial services as deemed appropriate. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Campus Employment
Part-time student employment is available on campus for all MU students. For information regarding on-campus employment opportunities, contact the Office of Human Resources, or visit http://www.manchester.edu/OHR/students_howtoapply.htm.
Information about off-campus employment is available at the Office of Career Services.
Campus Store
New and used textbooks are available as well as a variety of school supplies, clothing, greeting cards and other items. The Campus Store is located in the Union. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dining and Catering Services
Manchester offers a variety of dining options for meal-plan participants and campus guests throughout the academic year. Four meal plans are available to students based on their academic classification (i.e. FY, SO, JR, SR, etc). Depending on the dining location, students can use their meal plan, transfer a meal, or use Spartan Cash. Meal plans are also available to students who live off campus, faculty, and staff. The Manchester University ID card is required for meal plan use.
Dining destinations and options are listed below.
- The Haist Commons, located in the Jo Young Switzer Center, is an all-you care to eat experience. Here you will find multiple stations including the Mongolian grill, MyPantry made to order, salad bar and bakery station. The Haist Commons will spotlight culinary trends and special events including late-night breakfast, holiday meals, and culinary competitions. Students are permitted unlimited seconds when using their meal plan and dine in the seating area of the Haist Commons. “The Commons” is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner most days of the week. Chef Chris Fogerty and his team can assist with any dining questions including dietary needs and menu recommendations.
- The Oaks, located in the Jo Young Switzer Center, is a grab and go sandwich station offering the popular morning breakfast sandwich selection and Bronx Basket (sandwich made to order, sides and a drink). The Oaks also serves coffee and bottled beverages which meal plan students can use their FLEX dollars towards. Students may use their meal plan for a breakfast selection (7:30-10am), Bronx basket at lunch (10:30-4pm) and Bronx Basket for dinner (4-7pm) when the Oaks is open during the work week. The Oaks closes at 4pm on Fridays and is open 12-5pm on Saturdays.
- The Sisters Café, located in the Academic Center, is a destination serving Starbucks espresso drinks and Frappuccino along with a selection of bakery, bottle beverages and made-to-order sandwiches which meal plan students can use their FLEX dollars towards. Students on the lifestyle meal plan or a commuter meal plan may swipe for a sandwich or salad during lunch and dinner. The Sisters is open for later night service until 9 p.m., Sunday – Thursday.
- Wilbur’s is located on the first floor of Funderburg Library. Here students on a meal plan may use their plan to swipe for a hamburger, grab-and-go sandwich or salad at lunch and dinner. This means you won’t have to walk across campus to get a meal if you just need something quick. Also located here will be a new throwback candy station, packaged snacks and a great place to also kick back and relax. Wilbur’s is open 11am-7pm Monday – Thursday and 11am-5pm Friday. It is closed Saturdays.
If you have questions about how to use a meal plan, drop by the Chartwells Dining Service office in the lower Union or call 260-982-5289. Information is also available at www.dineoncampus.com/manchester. Students who miss a meal due to illness or an academic committment may contact any Chartwells staff person to make alternate meal arrangements.
Housing for Campus Guests
A limited number of guest rooms are available at a modest per-night charge. Reservation of these facilities is made through Conference Services. Each room is furnished with linens, towel packs and pillows for each guest.
Identification Cards
Students who enroll in one or more semester hours of credit will be issued a student identification card. The card provides access to library, meal and printing services, as well as school functions. The card is also used as a swipe card for student employees VIA attendance, and personal package pick up at the Campus Store. The card is issued in the Business Office on a long-term basis and has a replacement fee of $25 per incident.
Student Postal Mail
A University post office box is maintained on campus for all students. Student mail should be addressed to the student’s campus mail box at Manchester University, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962.