Philosophies

Principles of Community 

Manhattan Tech is an environment dedicated to the teaching and learning of professional and technical skills in an increasingly diverse and ever-changing environment. Manhattan Tech is a place where all people, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, marital or family status, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, and military or veteran status may learn a living.  Students, staff, faculty, and administration seek to empower all persons to contribute to their families, communities, and societies. In the spirit of creating and maintaining a professional and respectful space for all who come here to learn and teach, we—students, staff, faculty, and administration—acknowledge the following:

• We come to Manhattan Tech with different experiences, expectations, values, and practices
• Some of our differences are visible, others are not
• Our differences may create misunderstandings, fears, and hurt feelings
• We must work together to create mutual understanding
• We strive to overcome the negative consequences of our differences
• We seek to celebrate our shared humanity and shared goals
• We accept responsibility for creating a learning and work environment where our differences are valued and mutually accepted
• We agree to respect everyone’s right to have and to share personal beliefs and opinions without fear of public condemnation
• We agree to reject prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance in the Manhattan Tech community 

Philosophy of General Education

General education courses enhance academic skills, reasoning capability and general knowledge required for continued learning and advancement in students' professional and personal lives. Students will demonstrate increased proficiency in communicating effectively in written and oral forms; in critical thinking and problem solving to address situations described verbally, graphically, symbolically, or numerically; in identifying, accessing and evaluating information and materials; in gaining knowledge of self; and in exhibiting tolerance of and respect for diversity in human abilities, cultures, age and beliefs. Proficiency in written and oral communication is crucial in daily life, as is the ability to fully understand and appreciate oral and written expressions of others. Strengthening language skills, learning the value of research resources, and organizing thoughts into coherent oral and written communication enhance the student's participation in the workplace and in the world community. Critical thinking skills that expand the ability to decipher and apply needed information in problem-solving are important to success in the technological world. Quantitative skills linked to solid qualitative judgment help a student understand, adjust, and excel in a changing environment. The ability to gather, filter, and use the work, experience, and opinions of others is crucial to effectively performing personal and professional responsibilities. These skills in information technology foster independent thinking and lifelong learning. Understanding self while valuing others enhances one's ability to work within a team and to function effectively. This respect for self and for others is a critical component in today's workplace and interdependent, multicultural society.

Philosophy of Assessment

Manhattan Tech’s faculty and staff are committed to a comprehensive institutional assessment program that promotes continuous improvement in all aspects of programs and services critical to the success of the College. Convinced that learning-oriented effectiveness is of primary importance in meeting the institution’s mission, the faculty has placed an emphasis on the assessment of student learning.

Manhattan Tech also recognizes the importance of assessment and improvement activities related to organizational structure. These activities, designed to complement the assessment of student learning and enhance the planning and implementation of strategic initiatives, as well as the operational functions of the College, are executed as part of a comprehensive plan.

Demonstrating ongoing institutional improvement is necessary to ensure the continuing success of Manhattan Tech. Manhattan Tech is strengthened by its ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing student and stakeholder needs, through a systematic and well-practiced methodology involving assessment, evaluation, and action to address identified opportunities for improvement. This agility allows the College to compete in an educational arena where prospective students have a myriad of options.

In addition, as legislative bodies and accrediting organizations search for ways to enhance accountability among educational institutions, the documentation produced by this ongoing improvement process facilitates the reporting required for compliance with these regulatory and accrediting agencies.