Welcome to Kentucky State University (KSU), home of the Thorobreds. KSU is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, a city with a population of more than 25,000 and the capital of our Commonwealth. Frankfort lies on the western edge of the commonwealth’s Bluegrass Region along the banks of the Kentucky River in a small valley bordered by limestone cliffs. Preservation of historic structures throughout the city adds to its picturesque quality. Easily accessible by major highways, Frankfort is within a short drive of Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati. Frankfort was established on the land of the Osage, Cherokee, Shawanwaki/Shawnee, Yuchi, Adena, and Hopewell people.

Kentucky State University is the most diverse among the state’s public universities. KSU offers degrees at all levels including certificates, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate. Our location in the capital city permits the University to offer unique and outstanding state government student internships.

History

From its modest beginnings as a small normal school for the training of black teachers for the black schools of Kentucky, Kentucky State University has grown and evolved into a land-grant and liberal arts institution that prepares a diverse student population to compete in a multifaceted, ever-changing global society. The University was chartered in May 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, only the second state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky. During the euphoria of Frankfort’s 1886 centennial celebration, when vivid recollections of the Civil War remained, the city’s 4,000 residents were keenly interested in having the new institution located in Frankfort. Toward that end, the city donated $1,500, a considerable amount in 1886 dollars, and a site on a scenic bluff overlooking the town. This united display of community enthusiasm and commitment won the day. The new college was located in Frankfort in spite of competition from several other cities.

Recitation Hall (now Jackson Hall), the college’s first building, was erected in 1887. The new school opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers, 55 students, and John H. Jackson as president.

KSU became a land-grant college in 1890, and the departments of home economics, agriculture and mechanics were added to the school’s curriculum. The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year. A high school was organized in 1893. This expansion continued into the 20th century in both name and program. In 1902, the name was changed to Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons. The name was changed again in 1926 to Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons. In the early 1930’s, the high school was discontinued, and in 1938 the school was named the Kentucky State College for Negroes. The term “for Negroes” was dropped in 1952. Kentucky State College became a university in 1972, and in 1973 the first graduate students enrolled in its School of Public Affairs.

Over the past 30 years, more than 43 new structures or major building expansions have enhanced Kentucky State University’s 882-acre campus, which includes a 311-acre agricultural research farm and a 306-acre environmental education center.

Kentucky State University is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 2,200 students and 135 full-time faculty members. Students have the opportunity to receive a certificate (less than one year) in various disciplines, an associate (two-year) degree in two disciplines, a baccalaureate (four-year) degree in 22 majors, several of which have optional specializations, a master’s degree in eight disciplines, and a doctoral degree in nursing practice.

The University is organized into two academic colleges:

• College of Agriculture, Community, and the Environment
  • School of Agriculture, Communities, Environment, and the Sciences
  • Center of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences
  • School of Education, Human Development, and Consumer Sciences
  • School of Nursing
• College of Humanities, Business, and Society
  • School of Criminal Justice, Behavioral, Political and Social Sciences
  • School of Business, Public and Health Administration
  • School of the Arts, Communications, and the Humanities
  • School of Social Work, Liberal Studies, and the Honors Collegium

Our Legacy

Kentucky State University is one of nineteen 1890 Land Grant institutions that are mandated by the Morrill Act of 1890 to conduct research, extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. The Kentucky State University (KSU) Land Grant Program works to uphold the mission of the University through its commitment to research, extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. The KSU Land Grant Program is committed to resolving agricultural, educational, economic, and social problems of the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, especially to serve the underserved in rural and urban settings. The Land Grant Program at KSU receives a significant portion of its funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which provides programmatic oversight, regulation, and guidance. Such USDA mission areas as the cooperative extension and research are dedicated to assisting stakeholders across the nation and in implementing strategic initiatives of the USDA through programs that enable such universities to conduct research, teaching, Extension and outreach.

The Land Grant Program research and extension activities enable KSU to offer many opportunities for students interested in learning more about a wide range of disciplines, including food and agricultural sciences, environmental science, natural resources, family science, consumer science, rural sociology, and community development. A U.S. Department of Agriculture Liaison Officer is located on the campus to counsel Land Grant administrators and students on national initiatives, and opportunities for partnerships with the USDA. This person also works with high school and college students by exposing them to career opportunities in the food and agricultural sciences. College students are eligible for internships while enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Additionally, the Liaison Officer promotes and accepts applications for the USDA 1890 Scholars Program, which offers a full scholarship package (tuition and a computer as well as room and board) to high school graduates who are interested in working for the USDA after completion of their undergraduate studies. A separate 1890 Scholarships Program also provides scholarships to outstanding students entering the institution to pursue and complete baccalaureate degrees in the food and agricultural sciences and related fields that would lead to a highly skilled food and agricultural systems workforce.

The Land Grant Program also houses research and Extension programming.

The Community Research Service (CRS) is focused on three main research areas: Aquaculture, Organic and Sustainable Agriculture and Human Health, Nutrition, and Food Safety. The KSU Land Grant Program has nationally and internationally recognized research programs in Aquaculture or fish farming to bring new economic opportunities to Kentucky.

The Aquaculture Program, KSU’s “Program of Distinction,” is widely recognized as being a Top 5 program in the nation in aquaculture. The program is a national and international leader in the areas of water quality, disease diagnostics, aquaponics, pond development and management, fish meal replacement research, as well as paddlefish culture, freshwater prawn and saltwater shrimp culture, Koi breeding, production of largemouth bass on-feed, catfish and hybrid striped bass production. New organic food markets continue to grow, and alternative crops and production methods are desired by farmers. The KSU Land Grant Program’s Organic Program is nationally ranked in the top 20 amongst 1890 and 1862 Land Grant institutions.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Mission Statement

Kentucky State University is a public, comprehensive, historically black land-grant university committed to advancing the Commonwealth of Kentucky, enhancing society, and impacting individuals by providing quality teaching with a foundation in liberal studies, scholarly research, and public service to enable productive lives within the diverse global economy.

Vision Statement

Kentucky State University prepares today’s students as global citizens, lifelong learners and problem solvers. To accomplish this, Kentucky State University must challenge itself and its students to be the best. It must recognize its strengths, expand and excel. Notwithstanding, it must also welcome change and quality improvement. By doing so, KSU will gain widespread recognition as one of the region’s strongest universities. As a university of distinction, Kentucky State University will create an environment where:

• Students are first.
• Diversity is valued, understood and respected.
• Diverse, motivated and talented students, staff and faculty are actively recruited and retained.
• An intellectual environment conducive to leadership in teaching, research and community service is encouraged and supported.
• Effective teaching is promoted both inside and outside the classroom.
• Students are taught how to obtain, evaluate and use information.
• Learning is lifelong.
• Effective and efficient fiscal management by the administration is the norm.
• Collegiality is the norm, not the exception.
• Each person is a change agent.
• Excellence starts with me.

Core Values

Through the core values, we- the faculty, staff, administration and students of Kentucky State University – communicate to all our stakeholders and constituents the way in which we choose to do business. The following values that we hold are essential to achieving the University’s mission:

Student-Centered Philosophy

In everything we do, our students come first. We strive to create an environment that values the unique backgrounds, perspectives and talents of all our students and provide them with the academic, leadership and social tools to help them grow as responsible, knowledgeable and creative global citizens. We encourage attitudes and behaviors that lead to a desire to learn, a commitment to goals and respect for the dignity of others. Ultimately, we encourage attitudes and behaviors that build success.

Excellence and Innovation

We believe in student’s potential to learn and to connect what they learn inside and outside the classroom to solving problems for productive changes. We strive to offer excellent academic programs; to encourage exploration and discovery through providing outstanding instruction, technology and facilities; and to ignite a curiosity toward the world and a passion for lifelong learning. We seek to reward the pursuit and achievement of excellence and innovation in an environment where freedom of thought and expression are valued. We want all members of our campus community to leave a mark through their creativity, curiosity, discovery, exploration and ingenuity.

Ethical Conduct

We encourage the sharing of information in an open and responsible manner while maintaining the highest ethical and moral standards. The standards are reflected in our commitment to accountability and to personal responsibility for our choices and actions. We encourage respect for the dignity, diversity and rights of individuals. We welcome all students who commit themselves to learning, knowing that students and faculty with diverse perspectives enhance our classroom experience.

Social Responsibility

We share responsibility for each other and are committed to providing opportunities for the participation in the economic, political and cultural life of our local, state, regional, national and global communities. We are sensitive to our surrounding community; therefore, we recognize the value of integrating classroom learning with the community experience. Our commitment is to provide leadership and to establish partnerships for addressing community and workforce needs and to make a positive difference in the city of Frankfort, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the world.

Accreditations

Kentucky State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificate, associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679- 4500 for questions about the accreditation of Kentucky State University

Business: The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (https://acbsp.org/) (ACBSP) (BA and MBA)

Education: National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (NCATE) and the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB)
http://caepnet.org/
http://www.epsb.ky.gov/

Music: National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/

Nursing: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Kentucky Board of Nursing
https://www.acenursing.org/

Social Work: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
https://www.cswe.org/

University Notices

All statements in this publication are announcements of present policy only and are subject to change without prior notice. Nothing contained in this publication is intended to create nor shall it be construed as creating a contract, either express or implied, or guarantee for any term or for any specific procedures. If you are pursuing a degree, you are obliged to fulfill the requirements as they are listed in the Catalog for the semester in which you enrolled in the program. If the requirements change after you enroll in the program, see the policy “Catalog of Record” in the Academic Policies section of this Catalog. This Catalog shall be effective fall 2022 semester through summer 2023.

Statement of Compliance

Kentucky State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or Vietnam era or other veteran status in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity which it conducts. Any complaint arising by reason of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Office of Human Resources, ASB Suite 241, Kentucky State University, or to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, The Wanamaker Building, Suite 515, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

The Board of Regents of Kentucky State University does hereby reaffirm the University’s commitment to providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status and ensuring that participation in all University sponsored activities will be administered in a way that furthers the principles of equal employment and educational opportunities.

Kentucky State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to educational opportunities, programs or activities. The Director of the Disability Resource Center, 107 Hathaway Hall, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, coordinates compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning access for disabled individuals. Requests for information concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state laws relating to disabilities and the rights provided thereunder, as well as all requests for accommodations based upon disability should be directed to this office.

Kentucky State University is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for its students, faculty and staff through its compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. In accordance with these laws, students, faculty and staff are hereby notified of the standards of conduct which shall be applicable while on University property, on University business or at University sponsored activities.

By University rules and regulations, federal laws, state laws, and local ordinances, students, faculty and staff are prohibited from the unlawful possession, use, dispensation, distribution, or manufacture of illicit drugs on University property, on University business and/or at University sponsored activities.

Any member of the student body, faculty or staff who violates the University’s standards of conduct shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and/or termination. In addition to disciplinary sanctions, students or employees may face prosecution and imprisonment under federal and/or state laws which make such acts felony or misdemeanor crimes. The specifically defined standards of conduct, the disciplinary procedures and possible sanctions appear in the Student Handbook and the Faculty Handbook.

Expulsion of a student is a permanent separation and removal from the University. The sanction of expulsion must be approved by the University president or the president’s designee; it requires a student to be withdrawn or failed from all classes, suspended from the residence halls or graduate housing (if applicable), banned from all University facilities (and subject to arrest for trespassing), rendered ineligible to register for any University class, and prohibited from participating in University activities.

Continuous efforts are made to make students, faculty and staff aware of the on-campus and off-campus programs which provide information and professional services on matters related to the abuse of alcohol and drugs. For additional information individuals should contact the Kentucky State University Counseling Center.

Federal Regulations

Provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (as amended)
Public Law 93-380

This is to serve notice to all students of Kentucky State University of the rights and restrictions regarding the maintenance, inspection, and release of student records contained in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended. The University is composed of three colleges and offers a wide variety of services to students. Each college and service require the maintenance of some records concerning students enrolled in a particular college or participating in a nonacademic service. The location and type of record maintained by the University depends upon the field of study or service in which the student is enrolled. The following is a list of the types of records maintained by the University for students:

• Grade reports
• Transcripts
• Curriculum information
• Student test scores (ACT, SAT, AP, etc.)
• Correspondence with students
• Withdrawal records
• Admission forms
• Applications for graduation
• Student teacher evaluations
• Field training evaluations and correspondence
• Evaluation forms
• Mid-term evaluation
• Biographical data
• Nominations for awards
• Letters of recommendation
• Professional conduct agreements and liability insurance coverage
• Disciplinary records

1. Access to Records: In general, the records maintained by the University are available only to the student, to University personnel with legitimate educational interests, to other institutions where the student is seeking financial aid, and to authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the U.S., the Secretary of Education, or an administrative head of an education agency, in connection with an audit or evaluation of federally support programs, and as provided by Section 164.283 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. However, information may be released by the institution to appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons. Records may also be furnished in compliance with a judicial order or pursuant to a subpoena or with the consent of the student.
   
   Students may inspect and review all records pertaining to them within forty-five (45) days of making request for same, except for
   1. records created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting or assisting in a professional capacity in connection with treatment of the student (except that the student may have these records reviewed by a physician or appropriate professional designated by the student),
   2. financial records of the student’s parents,
   3. confidential letters and recommendations put in the files prior to January 1, 1975, and
   4. confidential recommendations relating to admission, applications for employment, or honors, if the student has waived his/her right to review such records. Where a particular record cannot be reviewed by a student without revealing confidential information relating to other students, the records custodian will inform the student, upon request, of the contents of the record pertaining to that student.
      Parents who claim a student as a dependent may present their federal tax declaration, in lieu of having the student’s written consent, to gain access to information concerning their children’s grades.
2. Disciplinary Records: Disciplinary records are defined as those records (maintained in electronic or hard-copy format) which relate exclusively to violations of Standards Governing Student Conduct as delineated in the Kentucky State University Student Handbook, revised 2020-2021, which have been adjudicated through the Division of Student Engagement and Campus Life.
   
   Complaints to the Division of Student Engagement and Campus Life which have been voluntarily withdrawn are not considered disciplinary records. A student’s disciplinary record include and is limited to:
   1. complaint,
   2. notification letter,
   3. investigative report and findings,
   4. notice of appeal,
   5. notice of hearing,
   6. documents presented as evidence and/or maintained by the hearing bodies during hearing,
   7. final disposition.
3. Directory Information: The University may release information without the student’s consent where the information is classified as “directory information.” The following categories of information have been designated by the University as directory information: name, address (excluding KSU residence hall room number), telephone listing (excluding cell phone), email address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, academic level (undergraduate or graduate), academic class (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior), dates of attendance, enrollment status, degrees and awards received, student photo or likeness, and the most recent previous education institution attended by the student. Students who do not wish such information released without their consent should notify the Student Records Office in writing. Any such request should be sent to
   
   Office of the Registrar
   Kentucky State University
   Academic Services Building Room 323
   400 East Main Street
   Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.
4. Notification of Rights Under FERPA for Postsecondary Institutions: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. All KSU students are informed of their FERPA rights each year during the fall term through an email notification sent to their official KSU email address. Each student’s FERPA rights are:
   1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
   2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
      
      Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
      
      If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
   3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
      
      One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
      
      Upon request, the University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
   4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
      
      Family Policy Compliance Office
      U.S. Department of Education
      400 Maryland Avenue SW
      Washington, DC 20202-8520.
5. Procedures for Challenge: A student who believes that any record maintained by the University pertaining directly to that student is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violative of the right of privacy of the student as provided by Title IV of Pub. L. 90-247, as amended, and Publ. L. 93-380 as amended by Senate Joint Resolution 40 (1974) may request a hearing before a panel of three persons appointed by the President of the University. The panel may direct that appropriate action be taken to correct, explain, or expunge the record(s) challenged.
   
   Request for hearings should be addressed to the:
   
   Office of University General Counsel
   Kentucky State University, ASB, Room 539
   400 East Main Street
   Frankfort, KY 40601.

Student Right-To-Know Act
(Pub. L. 101-542)

Section 103 of the Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-542) as amended by the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991 (Public Law 102-26) requires public disclosure of relevant graduation rate information for students enrolled in colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance annually beginning July 1, 1993. Graduation rate information is published each year on the University’s website or may be obtained upon request from the

Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Hume Hall, Suite 202
400 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601

Important Contact Information