MU | Experiential Learning
T he majority of Manchester ’ s undergraduate and prospective students are Generation Z , born 1997-2013 . Over the past few years , we have read about and studied this generation . They are an amazing group of students , sometimes compared to the Silent Generation , which came of age during World War II . This group cares about the environment , the rights of others , staying out of debt , getting through their education quickly , and they enjoy learning in and out of the classroom . Over the past few months , Manchester has spent time thinking about how to engage this group of students who have questioned the value of higher education . We asked : how can Manchester ensure that our programs meet their expectations while also preparing them for careers ? We also want to help companies who desperately need employees that think critically , problem-solve , and work well in teams .
Today , Manchester ’ s faculty and staff are digging into their curriculum , finding ways to meet the demands of this generation ’ s
Pharmacy consultation : MU pharmacy students get hands-on experience working with clients learning style , while maintaining Manchester ’ s deep commitment to the liberal arts and our high-quality programs . We asked that all programs include more experiential learning , providing students with real world experiences that enhance their classroom education . The revamped Manchester curriculum will offer new opportunities for students to engage with companies and organizations around the community . Students will gain credit while working , bringing the skills they learn in their organizations back to the classroom to continue to learn and reflect . Additionally , new transfer policies will recognize the hard work of students who earned college credits while in high school .
Manchester is working with local organizations in the community to employ students , offsetting the cost of their education . Manchester will work to offer more classes throughout the summers , providing students the ability to move quickly through their curriculum , while maintaining their jobs and internships . We ’ re also working to develop even more master ’ s-level coursework so students can stay at Manchester for their graduate studies .
Manchester wants to be a good neighbor and needs the community to take advantage of a university within their county . As Manchester works to repackage and rethink our curriculum , we are also committed
to helping our local community . We created a position to engage with the local high school students , and faculty are developing pathways for local students to earn credit at Manchester before they leave high school , allowing them to start their programs early .
Manchester is committed to ensuring that we have programs for adult students wanting to return to school to complete the degree they previously started or reskill . We recognize that for many , this means creating online learning opportunities . A committee has been established to begin discussing next steps to welcoming more adult students to Manchester .
Be sure to tell your children , friends , and family about the great things happening at Manchester ! We are adapting to future learners , while paying attention to the very things that make Manchester students future world leaders .
Stacy Hendricks ’ 96 Young , President
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