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History

New Hampshire's system of post-secondary vocational-technical education developed in response to conditions in New Hampshire following the end of World War II. Recognizing that many soldiers, sailors and airmen, among others, would be demobilized and in need of retraining for civilian life, two State Trade Schools were developed. Since that time, the Community College System of New Hampshire has grown to include four colleges comprised of seven institutions. Recently, the NH Legislature and Governor passed a law enabling the Board to increase the number of Colleges from four to seven, "uncoupling" campuses that had been administratively merged prior to 2005. The Board's decision reflects the growth of the Colleges, and the increasing demands and opportunities before the CCSNH as we strive to be responsive to the needs of students, businesses, communities and the state.

Manchester Community College is one of the seven colleges falling under the auspices of the System. Serving the needs of the Merrimack Valley, the College has two locations, the main campus in Manchester and a satellite site in Derry. The CCSNH is governed collectively by the Governor, Executive Council, System Board of Trustees, and individually by Advisory Committees and a President.

The college enrolls about 3,000 students per semester and offers more than 20 degree and certificate programs as well as workshops and professional development programs. Its facilities include the Center for Academic Planning and Support, the Learning Resources Center (Library), state-of-the-art instructional labs, auditoriums, a cafeteria, fitness center and a full-service Early Childhood Education Lab School. The campus is accessible to anyone with a physical challenge.

Located on 57 acres near the banks of the Merrimack River north of the city center, the Manchester campus offers classes and programs in three major connected buildings, and has ample room for future growth while retaining more than adequate green space and parking. A new 50,000 sq. ft. building to house the Learning Resources, Allied Health programs, and science labs is now under construction, with occupancy planned for January 2008.. As part of New Hampshire's largest city, the campus is actively engaged in community outreach and plays an integral role in the increasing ethnic and cultural diversity of the area.

Objectives

Manchester Community College is dedicated to the belief that each individual should be provided a continuing opportunity for the development of skills and knowledge and an increasing awareness of his or her role and responsibility in society. The college is devoted to serving the occupational/education needs of the State of New Hampshire and assumes a responsibility to help meet the requirements for a skilled work force through a cooperative effort with local industry, business, service and health organizations.

The college prepares learners for essential professional and workforce occupations with broad, high quality, practical education. Programs employ equipment and materials consistent with the modern workplace and the faculty blend academic credentials with pertinent work experience. The major programs of study include liberal arts and the intellectual skills necessary for the competent, lifelong learner. The college believes it is important that individuals establish a set of personal values that can be reflected in their own eyes and in the eyes of the community. These values increase through an educational program geared to the continual development of human potential. Acquisition of basic knowledge and marketable skills is only the beginning of the process of education and development that continues throughout life.

Accreditation Statement

Manchester Community College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission, Inc., a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering post-graduate instruction.

Manchester Community College has been granted Accreditation from the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc.'s Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Accreditation of an institution by the New England Association indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation. Accreditation by the New England Association is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of the quality of every course or program offered, or competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Accreditation by the New England Association is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of the quality of every course or program offered, or competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Specialized Accreditations:

Business Programs (Accounting, Administrative Assistant, Management, Marketing) - Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Medical Assistant - Manchester Community College's Medical Assistant Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants Endowment (AAMAE).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970
Chicago, IL 60601-2208
(312) 553-9355

Nursing - National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), full accreditation; New Hampshire Board of Nursing and Nurse Registration, full accreditation.

Compliance
The policy of this College is not to discriminate in its education programs and activities of employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, sex, age, or handicapping condition under the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1975. The college has an Equity Committee for Equal Access, which regularly reviews policies with administration and faculty and provides training for faculty and staff. Inquiries regarding compliance with these Acts may be obtained from co-chairs of the Manchester Equity Committee: Marion Knedler, Director of CAPS, and Anthe Day, Professor, or committee members: Robert Lott , Automotive Technology Professor; Diane Hebert, Associate Professor, English Department; Vandana Dhakar, Librarian; and Kevin Wason, Coordinator of Disabilities Services.

Mission Statement

Being responsive to the diverse communities we serve, our mission at Manchester Community College is to be an accessible, student-centered, comprehensive community college that promotes and fosters the intellectual, cultural, and economic vibrancy of our region.

Vision
Our vision is to be the leading community college that empowers students and inspires their success through exceptional and innovative education.