Under the leadership of President McCormack, Manhattanville began the process of reevaluating its curriculum in the fall of 1969. A planning grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities allowed extensive research and interviews with faculty, staff, and students. The results introduced the concept of a "challenging new curriculum directed toward the individual student" (Report of the President 1969-1971, 7).
In March 1971 Manhattanville was awarded $500,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities for curriculum development to be used over three years. The resulting curriculum introduced the Preceptorial Program and the Portfolio System. Today, these remain integral features of the Manhattanville experience with the First Year Program.