Manchester University (MU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

In 1860, The United Brethren Church members of Roanoke, Indiana founded the Roanoke Classical Seminary. This school was initially created to train up scholars in Biblical history and theology. Nearly thirty years later, however, the school was relocated to North Manchester, Indiana and renamed the North Manchester College. In later years, the word “north” was dropped from the name, and the college became known simply as Manchester College.

The college today still maintains its ties with the United Brethren Church. This is evident in the college’s statement of values. The board of the college has striven to create an educational institution that values human life, service, faith, integrity and community. While a religious affiliation is not necessary to attend Manchester College, students will be inundated with good values and an appreciation for community and brotherhood.

After the Great Depression, the college merged with another religious institution to help cut costs and save money. A Methodist seminary in Mount Morris, Illinois known as Mount Morris College is now affiliated with Manchester College. Manchester College today maintains its rich traditions as a private, liberal arts undergraduate institution with most of its students residing on campus.

Information Summary

Ranks 28th in Indiana and 1153rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	78.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$45,026
Admission Success rate	N/A
SAT 75%ile scores	1130
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	12 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	60% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	1,525

Academics

The educational structure at Manchester College is different from many similar private liberal arts institutions. Instead of offering summer classes, Manchester College offers an abbreviated class session in the month of January. The Spring and Fall semesters are both four months long.

Students at Manchester College can choose from either a bachelor’s degree program, an associate’s degree program, or a master’s program of study. The most numerous options, however, are in the bachelor’s programs of study. If students are seeking a bachelor’s degree, they have over fifty choices for a major. These choices range from Accounting to Art and Music to Mathematics. Nearly all traditional liberal arts majors are offered at Manchester College.

Some students choose to attend Manchester College for only two years and pursue an associate’s degree. While students are encouraged to achieve a bachelor’s degree in their time at Manchester College, associate’s degrees are offered in Computers, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, and Gerontology.

Many students opt to continue their education at Manchester after receiving a bachelor’s degree. For students wishing to remain at Manchester College for a master’s level program, there are two master’s program options available. Students can receive a master’s degree in Athletic Training or Education. As a great number of Manchester College’s students are education majors, many students do remain to pursue a Master of Education degree.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Gallery

Admissions

After students complete their Junior year of high school, they are encouraged to begin the application process at Manchester College. The application process is most easily completed with the online form that can be found at the college’s website. Students who have performed well academically in high school and on standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT are more likely to be accepted to Manchester College. However, students are encouraged to apply regardless of their academic background.

Manchester College’s admissions team evaluates each application on an individual basis. The grounds for admission are not solely based on academic performance. The team evaluates applications to determine a student’s potential for success at Manchester. Students who submit essays and letters of recommendation from adult guardians, teachers, and leaders may have an advantage in the application process. After applying, students are encouraged to visit the campus and get to know the college.

Students

The unique brotherhood-style of Manchester’s student body is evident in the numerous activities, clubs, and social organizations that are available all year round. Students at Manchester College are reminded of the school’s code of values, and service projects, volunteerism, and community outreach are all emphasized as positive uses of the students’ time.

Students in their first three years at Manchester College are required to live in an on-campus residence hall or apartment facility. This requirement creates a strong community atmosphere at Manchester College as most of its students live in residence halls together. Alcohol is also prohibited on campus making the residence halls a safe and wholesome place to live.

There are many social and recreational clubs for students to become involved with. Dance clubs, yoga clubs, aerobics clubs and sport clubs are exciting ways for students to maintain physical health. The Ultimate Frisbee club is one of the most popular clubs on campus, and students can be seen playing the game most weekends. Social activist clubs like Students Against Sweatshops and the United Sexualities Club are great ways for students to express ideas and allow their voices to be heard.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The Manchester College Spartans compete in nineteen different intercollegiate sports. These varsity teams are available to both men and women, and the entire student body supports its varsity teams eagerly. The importance of sports for both mental and physical wellness is greatly emphasized at Manchester College. Teamwork, cooperation, and good sportsmanship are emphasized along with the entertainment factor in varsity sports.

Those who are not able to compete in varsity sports can participate in the intramural sporting events available to all students. Over three-fourths of the entire student body participates in intramural sports. Physical activity is a large part of Manchester College’s mission.

Local Community

North Manchester, Indiana is a relatively small town, but has gained political significance through various politicians who have visited the city and spoken at the Manchester College Campus. In fact, Dr. Martin Luther King, junior gave his last college speech at Manchester College mere months before his tragic assassination.

The town of North Manchester offers shopping, recreational, and dining experiences to all of its inhabitants. Students who desire a glimpse of big city life are uniquely placed between Chicago, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana. A short car or train ride is all this is required for students to visit these metropolises. Many instructors at Manchester College organize class field trips to Chicago or Indianapolis each semester. For example, students taking a course in world religions may visit the many mosques, temples, and sanctuaries in Chicago, Illinois. These large cities also offer the very best in live theater, concert venues, major league sporting events, fine dining, and shopping experience.

Bibliography

Abrams, Holly. “Peace Studies Pioneer.” The Journal Gazette [Fort Wayne, IN] 4 Nov. 2010. Print.

Manchester College Home. Manchester College, 2011. Web. 16 May 2011. <http://www.manchester.edu>.

“Manchester College.” The Higher Learning Commission – Home. NCAHLC, 2011. Web. 16 May 2011. <http://www.ncahlc.org>.

Manchester University