Minutes of the Graduate Council
April 5, 2005
As approved by the Graduate Council, May 3, 2005
Members present: K. Al-Khatib, R. Burckel, P. Burden, R. Clark, A. Featherstone, D. Griffin (proxy D. McGrath),
W. Hsu, S. Jang, D. McGrath, T. Miller, T. Mong, P. Mudrack, J. Nechols, M. O’Shea, R. Slick, D. Smit, J.
Stevenson
Members absent: M. Dickson, T. Donavan, W.R. Goe, D. Higgins, C. Holcomb, V. Houser, T. Keane, K. Kramer,
G. Marchin, A. Pahwa, B. Schenck-Hamlin, S. Siepl-Coates, S. Smethers, R. Trewyn, Y. Wang, P. Wangemann,
M. Wilkerson
Graduate School staff present: J. Guikema, C. Shanklin, J. Sommer, D. Woydziak
Guests: B. Thiagarajan
The meeting was called to order by Associate Dean Jim Guikema at 3:30 p.m. in Room 213, Student Union.
1) Opening remarks
Jim Guikema announced that Ron Trewyn would not be able to attend due to a meeting in Kansas City.
2) Minutes. The minutes of the March 1, 2005 meeting were approved as presented. The minutes of the
November 2, 2004 meeting were ammended to include the approval of Gayle Doll and Charles Griffin as nongraduate faculty to teach graduate courses.
3) Graduate School Actions and Announcements
a) Appointments for Graduate Faculty Membership
Name
Department/Program
Bongsug Chae
Management
Michael Chilton
Management
b) Non-Graduate Faculty to teach Graduate Courses (Emergency Approval)
Name
Department/Program
Courses
Toni Alexander
Geography
GEOG 870
Term
S05
4) Academic Affairs Committee
a) It was moved and seconded that the following faculty members be approved for Graduate Faculty
Membership. The motion passed.
i) for MEMBERSHIP ONLY
Name
Abbey L. Nutsch
Position
Assistant Professor
ii) for CERTIFICATION ONLY
Qize Wei
Assistant Professor
Department/Program
Animal Sciences and Industry
Biochemistry
iii) Non-Graduate Faculty to teach Graduate Courses (One-Year Approval)
Name
Department/Program
Courses
Toni Alexander
Geography
GEOG 680
Term
U05
b) Course and curriculum changes: A motion was made and seconded to approve course changes,
deletions, and additions. The motion passed.
i) CHANGE:
Current Course Description
Proposed Course Description
AGRON 835. Nutrient Sources, Uptake and
Cycling. (3) II, in odd years. An examination of the
behavior of plant nutrients in soils emphasizing
nutrient sources, the interaction of nutrient with soils,
and the role of plant root as nutrient sinks. Includes
processes used in the formulation of chemical
fertilizers and the assessment of available nutrients in
non-commercial plant nutrient sources. Three hours
rec. a week. Pr.: AGRON 375.
AGRON 835. Nutrient Sources, Uptake and
Cycling. (3) I, in odd years. An examination of the
behavior of plant nutrients in soils emphasizing
nutrient sources, the interaction of nutrient with soils,
and the role of plant root as nutrient sinks. Includes
processes used in the formulation of chemical
fertilizers and the assessment of available nutrients in
non-commercial plant nutrient sources. Three hours
rec. a week. Pr.: AGRON 375.
AGRON 900. Biometeorology. (3) II. A
comprehensive analysis of interactions between living
organisms and their physical environment. Emphasis
is placed on characterizing the transport of heat,
water, and carbon within the soil-plant-atmosphere
continuum. Includes discussions on aerodynamic
transfer, surface energy balances, evapotranspiration,
trace gas fluxes, and basic micrometeorology. The
potential impact of climatic change on biosphere
productivity will be considered. Three hours rec. a
week. Pr.: PHYS 115 and AGRON 746 or BIOL 500.
AGRON 900. Micrometeorology. (3) II. A
comprehensive analysis of interactions between living
organisms and their physical environment. Emphasis
is placed on characterizing the transport of heat,
water, and carbon within the soil-plant-atmosphere
continuum. Includes discussions on aerodynamic
transfer, surface energy balances, evapotranspiration,
trace gas fluxes, and basic micrometeorology. The
potential impact of climatic change on biosphere
productivity will be considered. Three hours rec. a
week. Pr.: PHYS 115 and AGRON 746 or BIOL 500.
CHM 657. Inorganic Techniques. (1-2) II. The
preparation, characterization, and study of transition
metal, main group, and organometallic compounds of
unusual interest, using techniques commonly
encountered in industrial and academic research. Six
hours lab a week. Pr.: CHM 585.
CHM 657. Inorganic Techniques. (1-2) I. The
preparation, characterization, and study of transition
metal, main group, and organometallic compounds
using techniques commonly encountered in industrial
and academic research. Three to six hours lab a
week. Pr.: CHM 585.
PLPTH 730. Plant Nematology. (3) II, in evennumbered years. An introduction to the morphology,
taxonomy, and evology of phytoparasitic and freeliving nematodes found in plants, soil, and fresh water.
Emphasis is on the identification and control of plant
parasitic nematodes and on lab techniques used in
their study. Two hrs. lec., one 2-hr lab a week. Pr.:
PLPTH 500.
PLPTH 730. Plant Nematology. (2) II, in evennumbered years. An introduction to the morphology,
taxonomy, and evology of phytoparasitic and freeliving nematodes found in plants, soil, and fresh water.
Emphasis is on the identification and control of plant
parasitic nematodes and on lab techniques used in
their study. The course will meet for half of the
semester. Two hrs. lec., one 4-hr lab a week. Pr.:
PLPTH 500.
PLPTH 835. Plant Virology. (3) I, in odd years. A
study of the composition, symptomatology, diagnosis,
isolation, replications, molecular biology, genetics, and
evolution of plant-infecting viruses. The laboratory will
consist of instruction in general research techniques
and equipment usage, including viral inoculation,
symptomatology and serology, with emphasis on
molecular techniques used in plant virology. Two
hours lec., one four-hour lab a week. Pr.: ASI 500,
BIOCH 521, BIOCH 522, and PLPTH 500.
PLPTH 835. Plant Virology. (2) I, in odd years. A
study of the composition, symptomatology, diagnosis,
isolation, replications, molecular biology, genetics, and
evolution of plant-infecting viruses. Two hours lec. a
week. Pr.: ASI 500, BIOCH 521, BIOCH 522, and
PLPTH 500
Current Course Description
Proposed Course Description
PLPTH 840. Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. (3) S, in
even-numbered years. Emphasizes the etiology,
epidemiology, dissemination and survival, taxonomy,
mechanisms of pathogenicity, serology, host-parasite
relations, control measures, and the principles and
methods of identifying plant pathogenic bacteria.
Laboratory sessions will be devoted to usage of
general laboratory equipment and research
techniques. Nine hours combined lec./lab a week. Pr.:
BIOCH 521, PLPTH 500.
PLPTH 840. Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. (2) II, in odd
years. Emphasizes the diversity, mechanisms of
pathogenicity, serology, host-parasite relations,
control measures, and the principles and methods of
identifying plant pathogenic bacteria. The course will
meet for half of the semester. Four hours lec. a week.
Pr.: BIOCH 521, PLPTH 500.
PLPTH 845. Plant Pathogenic Fungi. (3) I, in evennumbered years. The isolation, handling, storage,
inoculation, terminology, and taxonomy of fungal
pathogens of plants. Particular attention will be given
to techniques used to study fungi and to the genus
and species concepts for important plant pathogenic
fungal genera. Two hrs. lec., and one 3-hr lab a week.
Pr.: PLPTH 500 and BIOL 640.
PLPTH 845. Plant Pathogenic Fungi. (2) I, in even
years. The isolation, handling, storage, inoculation,
terminology, and taxonomy of fungal pathogens of
plants. Particular attention will be given to techniques
used to study fungi and to the genus and species
concepts for important plant pathogenic fungal
genera. One hr. lec., and one 3-hr lab a week. Pr.:
PLPTH 500 and BIOL 640.
PLPTH 915. Chromosome and Genome Analysis.
(3) I, in odd years. An advanced course in research
techniques in genome analysis, especially of higher
plants emphasizing genetic mapping by use of various
cytogenic stocks. Laboratory and greenhouse
experiments are performed. Pr.: AGRON 770 or BIOL
615 or equivalent.
PLPTH 915. Chromosome and Genome Analysis.
(3) I, in odd years. An advanced course in eukaryotic
chromosome biology and genome analysis, especially
of higher organisms (crop plants, insects, and
mammals) emphasizing basic features of
chromosome structure, behavior in mitosis and
meiosis, structural aberrations, numerical changes
(aneuploidy, polyploidy) evolution, and manipulation
for crop improvement and human health. Three hrs.
lec. a week. Pr.: AGRON 770 or BIOL 615 or
equivalent.
ii) NEW:
AGRON 640. Cropping Systems. (3) I. Principles for developing and managing cropping systems in the Great
Plains for the efficient use of natural resources, primarily water. Emphasis on dryland cropping systems,
management of crop rotations, and the plant/soil/environment interaction. Includes the efficient use of natural
resources via an understanding of yield limiting factors, impact of crop rotations and cultural practices, climate,
plant growth and development. Three hours rec. a week. Pr.: AGRON 375 or concurrent enrollment.
CHM 777. Practical NMR Spectroscopy. (1) II. Fundamental aspects of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance
(NMR) spectroscopy, as applied to the Chemistry Department’s Varian 200- and 400-MHz spectrometers. Pr.:
Senior or graduate standing in the physical sciences, or by consent of the instructor.
GEOG 660. Geography of East Asia/China. (3) I, in even years. An introduction to the human and physical
geography of East Asia, with emphasis on China. Examines this region’s physical, cultural, and socioeconomic
patterns and changes, as well as interactions with other parts of the world.
SPCH 742. Relational Communication. (3) I. A survey of theories and research on the role of communication in
social and personal relationships. Emphasis is on observing and evaluating communication behaviors using reallife media examples. Pr.: SPCH 311, 320, 322, 323, 326, 328, or 480.
c) The Academic Affairs Committee has developed a set of guidelines to help departments in preparing new
courses and course changes for Graduate Council approval. These guideline are posted on the Graduate
Council forms web page at www.ksu.edu/grad/gc/forms/guidelines.pdf.
5) Graduate Student Affairs Committee
Carol Shanklin announced that Mark Smith, doctoral student in physics, was nominated and has been
accepted to participate in the 55th Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates and Students. Mark will be representing
K-State as one of 60 outstanding graduate students from the United States in Lindau Germany, June 26 - July
1, 2005. This award will cover all his costs to attend the weeklong meeting. Mark will also have the
opportunity to work with his mentor who will be on sabbatical in Germany at that time.
The Honors and Awards Work Group is also preparing to review Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. K-State is
allowed to submit two nominations.
6) Graduate School Committee on Planning
Carol Shanklin reported the committee proposes for a first reading the following changes to the Graduate
Handbook - Appendix B: Dissertations, Theses, and Reports - Section C: Sequestration:
C. Sequestration
The purpose of sequestration is to delay for a limited time public dissemination of patentable or otherwise proprietary or
sensitive materials. Prior to the final defense, the student and his/her major professor may request that the University act to
protect the student’s rights concerning the dissertation, thesis, or report by temporarily sequestering the work. Approval must be
obtained from the Dean of the Graduate School.
If the dissertation, thesis, or report does not contain material believed to be patentable, the student's major professor should send
a request of sequestration directly to the Dean of the Graduate School. If the dissertation, thesis, or report does contain material
believed to be patentable, the student’s major professor notifies the University Patent Advisory Committee. The chairperson of
the University Patent Advisory Committee notifies the major professor of the committee’s decision. The major professor sends a
letter to the Graduate School requesting sequestration.
If approved by the Dean of the Graduate School, the Graduate School defers submitting the abstract for microfilming and places
all of the required copies of the dissertation, thesis, or report in a secure location in the Graduate School during the period of
sequestration. This procedure involves no delay in the conferral of the degree. The student however, whose dissertation, thesis,
or report has been approved for sequestration still deposits with the Graduate School the normal fees for graduation. These fees
cover the cost of microfilming by University Microfilms/Proquest, if applicable, at the time of degree completion.
Sequestration is normally limited to four years. Nevertheless, under compelling circumstances that require continued protection,
the Dean of the Graduate School may approve further sequestration at the student’s or major professor's request on a year-byyear basis for an additional three years.
If the request for sequestration is approved, the Graduate School provides the student a preliminary receipt for the required
copies after they are submitted. After the sequestering period, Graduate School provides the student and major professor a
receipt indicating the three copies or EDT files have been delivered to the University Archives.
As long as the copies remain in the secure location within the Graduate School, access to them may be obtained only with the
student’s and major professor’s written permission authorizing the type of access. On each occasion when the document is
reviewed, it will not leave the Graduate School and the user must sign a form on the same day on which he or she uses them
indicating he/she had access to the document.
At the end of the sequestration period, the University has the right to disseminate information from the dissertation, thesis, or
report as an original contribution to knowledge. For the dissertation, publication normally will be accomplished by submitting
the work to University Microfilms/Proquest for microfilming.
Following discussion, the first reading was approved. It was also suggested that the sequestration flowchart
developed by the Graduate School and a list of sequestration examples be made available on the secure web
site as reference material for the graduate faculty.
7) Graduate Council Election Committee
Carol Shanklin announced that the list of nominees is being finalized and the ballots should be out the week of
April 11. Results will be available after April 20.
8) Graduate Student Council Information
Tony Mong introduced Bala Thiagarajan, a doctoral candidate from the Division of Biology who will serve as
the 2005-2006 Graduate Student Council (GSC) president. David Olds (HRIMD) was elected president-elect,
Keil Regehr (Electrical Engineering) treasurer, and Sreedhar Upendram (Economics) secretary.
GSC announcements:
April 7th – Graduate Student Ice Cream Social, 12:30-2:00 p.m., East lawn of Fairchild Hall
April 15th – Graduate Student Research Forum
April 27th – Presentation on federal student loan consolidation at 1:00 p.m., K-State Union Little Theater
9) University Research and Scholarship
Jim Guikema announced that the Graduate School is finalizing the selections for the Summer Undergraduate
Research Opportunity Program (SUROP). This will be the largest and highest quality of students ever to
participate in this program. The Graduate School, with the help of Carol Shanklin, has created a consortium
on campus for all undergraduate research experience programs to build a campus wide resource pool.
Jim also reported that an agreement has been finalized for Vietnamese scholars to study at K-State. The
Vietnam government in combination with academic departments accepting students into their doctoral
program will help finance these students throughout their stay in Manhattan.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the Distinguished Graduate Faculty seminar by chemistry professor, Duy
Hua on Tuesday, April 12 in Hale Library.
Council was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.