University Handbook, Section A:
Introduction
(FS 7/2006 and 4/10/2012, 2/22/2018, revisions)
A1 Kansas State University, established as Kansas State Agricultural College on February 16, 1863, under the terms of the Morrill Act of 1862, is the nation's first land-grant university. The college accepted the land, buildings, and library of a private school, Bluemont College, and opened its doors in the fall of 1863. One hundred and six students enrolled in its first year of operation.
A2 Kansas State University and Kansas, which became a state in 1861, grew together. Kansas has changed from a state with a predominantly rural population to one that includes a sizable urban population. The university, renamed Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science in 1931, and Kansas State University of Agriculture and Applied Science in 1959, commonly known and hereafter referred to as Kansas State University, has broadened its scope into most branches of higher learning, especially in graduate work and research.
A3 Kansas State University has evolved and now includes multiple campuses, colleges, divisions, and departments to carry out increasingly complex functions of higher education. Kansas State University Polytechnic, hereafter referred to as K-State Polytechnic, is home to the College of Technology and Aviation, and Kansas State University Olathe, hereafter referred to as K-State Olathe, is the academic research presence within the Kansas Bioscience Park. The university has established departments as the primary administrative unit for the academic disciplines. However, there are also administrative units designated as schools, institutes, and centers. Refer to Section B in the University Handbook for more information.
A4 Kansas State University is committed to its students, to Kansas, and to the wise development of the state's physical and human resources. The student body, faculty, unclassified professionals, and university support staff make up an integral part of the Kansas culture and economy. Representing a wide range of fields, faculty members, through teaching, research, and service, provide an unparalleled source of expertise available to serve all sectors of the state. In addition, the university adds value to the local and regional community by offering opportunities for educational, cultural, and recreational activities.
The Board of Regents
A5 Kansas State University is governed by the Kansas Board of Regents http://www.kansasregents.org/.
The Legislature
A6 The legislature adopts an annual budget and enacts appropriation bills for support of Kansas State University.
The university is subject to state and federal government legislative action.