The Institution
Mission and Values Statements
Mission Statement
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
Values Statement
As a primarily undergraduate, residential, liberal arts community rooted in the tradition of the Church of the Brethren, Manchester University values:
Learning, because high academic expectations in an environment combining liberal arts and professional preparation equip graduates to live healthy, productive and principled lives;
Faith, because our diverse faiths call us to make the world a kinder and better place, establish justice, build peace amid strife, and model lives of agape (selfless love), tikkun olam (repairing a broken world), and salam (peace);
Service, because committing self in service to others connects faith with action and abilities with convictions;
Integrity, because honesty and trust are the foundations of teaching and learning, enriching, enduring relationships, and strong communities;
Diversity, because understanding differences develops respect for ethnic, cultural and religious pluralism; an international consciousness; and an appreciation for the infinite worth of every person; and
Community, because a positive community sharpens self-identity, promotes acceptance of the demands of responsible citizenship, and transforms conflict into mutual respect.
Origins and Traditions
Manchester University traces its origin to the Roanoke Classical Seminary founded by the United Brethren Church in Roanoke, Ind., in 1860. The Seminary became Manchester College in 1889, when it was moved to North Manchester, Ind. In 1895, the campus was purchased by representatives of the Church of the Brethren, who deeded it to four state districts of the Church in 1902. The number of supporting districts increased until, by 1932, Manchester served the five-state area of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Rapid growth of the public high school and increasing interest in higher education resulted in a gradual shift of emphasis from an academy and Bible school to a college of liberal arts. The academy was discontinued in 1923.
Mount Morris College in Mount Morris, Ill., merged with Manchester College in 1932. Founded as a Methodist seminary in 1839, Mount Morris had been purchased by representatives of the Church of the Brethren in 1879 and operated as the Rock River Seminary and College Institute until 1884, when the name was changed to Mount Morris College. The merger of Mount Morris College and Manchester College came about when the Church of the Brethren decided its educational program would be strengthened by pooling its resources in fewer colleges. Manchester College changed to Manchester University on July 1, 2012.
The relationship of Manchester University with the Church of the Brethren continues. The University accents this relationship and welcomes students of all faiths.
Accreditation
Manchester University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and has been a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604; 800-621-7440; www.hlcommission.org) since 1932.
State of Indiana
Manchester University is authorized by name in statute as an approved institution of higher education in the state of Indiana. In full compliance with federal rules, please contact the Indiana Commission for Higher Education following the steps outlined here for Indiana's higher education complaint resolution process.
Pharmacy Program Accreditation
Manchester University’s Doctor of Pharmacy Program is accredited with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 2135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60503; 312/644-3575; FAX 312/664-4652; www.acpe-accredit.org),
Teacher Education Accreditation
The baccalaureate level teacher education program is accredited by the Indiana Professional Standards Board and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Social Work Accreditation
The baccalaureate level social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Athletic Training Accreditation
The undergraduate and graduate level Athletic Training programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The undergraduate program has been placed on Probation as of February 24, 2017, by the CAATE (6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101)
Non-discrimination Statement
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.