Missions 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 became 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 (30 N. LaSalle, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 800-621-7440, (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org) since 1932. The undergraduate and graduate level Athletic Training programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Non-Discrimination
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 practices, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the positions 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.