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K-State Today

January 19, 2017

Kansas Board of Regents Jan. 18 meeting university updates

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

The monthly Kansas Board of Regents meeting on Jan. 18 included several items related to Kansas State University.

Read the Jan. 18 preview article with additional meeting details.

Consent agenda

The Regents approved the consent agenda, which included adding nine courses to the Regents systemwide course transfer list; razing of a barn and shed at the Purebred Beef Unit; adding a capital improvement project plan and program statement for K-State's Agronomy Education Center; and making changes to the student health insurance plan.

Energy improvements

The Regents authorized a $2.8 million energy performance contract with Energy Solutions Professionals to make energy conservation and facility improvements at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus.

Weapons policy

The Regents approved weapons policy amendments involving storage and stun guns. Taser-like weapons will remain prohibited. The Regents approved K-State's weapons policy in December. Read the approved policy.

University Engineering Initiative Act

The Regents received an update on the University Engineering Initiative Act, which expands the state's professional engineering training programs at Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University. The combined number of engineering graduates in 2016 was 1,285.

Honorary doctorate

The Regents approved Kansas State University's request to grant an honorary degree to Geraldine "Geri" Richmond, K-State alumna and 2016 National Medal of Science recipient. Richmond will be recognized at the university's spring 2017 Graduate School commencement ceremony.

Insurance coverage for those with J-1 Visas

The Regents approved a proposed insurance coverage legislation to modify state statute and allow universities to self-insure employees with J-1 visas — often visiting scholars — who are required by the federal government to have health insurance with a deductible that does not exceed $500.

The proposed statute modifications would authorize the board to administer a health reimbursement account to bridge the gap between the requirements of federal regulations and the deductible for the state employee health plan.

The Regents ended by discussing the budget and other higher-education issues for this Legislative session.

 

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