The GEAPS/Kansas State University (K-State) Distance Education Program will offer 32 courses in 2018. Every course required for the Credentials in Grain Operations Management and Grain Processing Management will be available. The schedule also includes one new course: GEAPS 546: Fighting Grain Silo Fires and Smolders in March.
“These courses are a great tool for all levels of experience,” said Chris Blair, NEW Cooperative, Greater Iowa Chapter, Continuing Education Program Oversight Committee chair. “Whether you are brand new to the industry, or looking to build your skills for a promotion, our program is a great tool that companies can use to supplement their existing training programs.”
Courses consist of peer-reviewed online narrated PowerPoint presentations, assignments and quizzes that can be completed any time over the five weeks of the course.
Program Surpasses 5,000 Participants
In September, the program surpassed 5,000 registrants. The program began in May 2005, and has seen participants from 30 different countries.
“We are very excited to reach this outstanding milestone for our distance learning program,” said Barb Kraft, Landus Cooperative, GEAPS International president. “The industry has really embraced our online courses and credentials as a way to supplement internal training programs. Our program helps attendees build skills to keep facilities running efficiently, while maintaining grain quality and improving safety.”
The IGP Institute at Kansas State University delivers courses. Brandi Miller, assistant director, IGP Institute, reflected on the success of the program.
“The IGP Institute continues to appreciate the great partnership with GEAPS,” Miller said. “Being a part of a program that has reached over 5,000 participants is really incredible. We look forward to continuing to serve the grain industry.”
About the GEAPS/K-State Distance Education Program
GEAPS and Kansas State University provide online, peer-reviewed continuing education unit (CEU) qualified courses taught by grain industry leaders and faculty members. The program helps participants improve job skills and become more valuable to employers through exposure to issues, standards and best practices from across the industry. In 2018, there are 32 courses available, including one all-new offering. Courses combine GEAPS members’ vast on-the-job experience with K-State’s academic expertise. Lectures and coursework take place online, and can be completed at any time during the five-week session.
GEAPS/K-State Distance Education Program at a Glance
- Over the past 12 years, registrants from 30 different nations have taken a GEAPS/K-State course
- Courses run for five weeks and consist of narrated PowerPoint lectures
- Students can complete coursework at their convenience over five weeks
- Industry specialists peer-review all materials to ensure quality and relevance
- All courses provide the opportunity to network with faculty and other students
- Students who complete a course receive one continuing education unit (CEU) from Kansas State University and a certificate of completion
- 96 students have now earned the Credential in Grain Operations Management, 64 Specialist Credentials have been awarded and 15 have completed all tracks to earn the Master Credential
For more information on the 2018 schedule, group discounts or any of GEAPS’ training options, please contact the GEAPS office at (763) 999-4300.
2018 Course Schedule
Jan 8. – Feb. 9
Registration opens Dec. 5, closes Jan. 3
GEAPS 500: Introduction to Grain Handling Operations
GEAPS 501: Management Basics for Grain Facility Supervisors: Understanding Key Roles and Responsibilities
GEAPS 541: Developing an Effective Safety Culture at Your Company
GEAPS 550: Materials Handling I
Feb. 12 – March 16
Registration opens Jan. 8, closes Feb. 6
GEAPS 506: The Grain Industry in Canada: Climate, Crops and People
GEAPS 510: Grain Facilities Planning and Design I
GEAPS 520: Grain Quality Management
GEAPS 551: Materials Handling II
March 19 – April 20
Registration opens Feb. 13, closes March 13
GEAPS 521: Aeration System Design and Fan Operational Management
GEAPS 540: Entry Level Safety
GEAPS 546: Fighting Grain Silo Fires and Smolders - NEW
GEAPS 552: Materials Handling III
April 23 – May 25
Registration opens March 20, closes April 17
GEAPS 511: Grain Facilities Planning and Design II
GEAPS 525: Management of Insect Pests in Stored Grain
GEAPS 530: Quality Management Systems for Bulk Materials Handling Operations
GEAPS 555: Advanced and Preventive Maintenance for Grain Facilities: Conveyance Equipment
May 29 – June 29
Registration opens April 24, closes May 22
GEAPS 542: Electrical Safety for Grain and Processing Facilities
GEAPS 545: Grain Entrapment: Causes, Prevention and Rescue
GEAPS 600: Overview of Milling Principles
GEAPS 610: Interpretation of Process Flow Diagrams
July 17 – Aug. 18
Registration opens June 12, closes July 10
GEAPS 500: Introduction to Grain Handling Operations
GEAPS 501: Management Basics for Grain Facility Supervisors: Understanding Key Roles and Responsibilities
GEAPS 544: Preventing and Responding to Grain Dust Explosions
GEAPS 550: Materials Handling I
Sept. 11 – Oct. 13
Registration opens Aug. 8, closes Sept. 5
GEAPS 510: Grain Facilities Planning and Design I
GEAPS 520: Grain Quality Management
GEAPS 524: Grain Drying
GEAPS 620: Grain Receiving, Cleaning and Conditioning
Oct. 30 – Dec. 1
Registration opens Sept. 25, closes Oct. 23
GEAPS 522: FGIS Grain Inspection Orientation
GEAPS 530: Quality Management Systems for Bulk Materials Handling Operations
GEAPS 540: Entry Level Safety
GEAPS 630: Quality Control, Quality Assurance Practices in Flour Milling
About IGP Institute at Kansas State University
In addition to distance education programming, the IGP Institute also offers face-to-face courses in grain processing and flour milling, grain marketing and risk management, and feed manufacturing and grain quality management. To learn more about these other training opportunities, visit the IGP Institute website at www.ksu.edu/igp.
