Audit Reveals Trouble at DSU | Video

Retha Colclasure | 2/10/2012

Since 2003, Dickinson State University has been working with 62 foreign universities to enroll students in special international programs. Students in this program begin their higher education in their home countries, transfer to DSU for a period of time, then complete their studies at home. An internal audit of the school shows that the program has been ripe with corruption since the beginning.

Today, DSU President Dr. D.C. Coston announced that of the 816 students enrolled in these special programs, problems exist with 743 of them. That includes certificates and degrees already given to 584 students.

Coston says he learned about problems with these special international programs in late December, not long after he took over for former DSU President Dr. Richard McCallum. "I contacted Chancellor Goetz to request that he assign the University System`s internal auditor to work with Dickinson State University to review what I would like to call special international programs."

That audit found a widespread problem with the program. But the problem was isolated, and did not affect other, more traditional international programs or domestic students.

"The audit that`s being released indicates that in contrast to the other four programs offered at Dickinson State, policies and controls to regulate admission and graduation from these programs were not implemented or followed," Coston said.

The cases in question involve students who did not meet English language proficiency requirements, or did not meet other admission requirements. Because of these problems that came out, the University sent letters to two recruiters overseas, saying they are beginning the process of cutting ties with them.

There was no single person in charge of the international program. But several high-level department heads have since stepped aside or resigned. Now, the university is focused on continuing to serve its current students and repair the damage.

"As chancellor representing the entire university system here today, Dickinson State University is a key university within the university system. We will not in be in any way put into a state of doubt that we have a strong institution here," said North Dakota University System Chancellor Bill Goetz.

They`re reaching out to alumni and supporters, asking for their continued support.

"We will work tirelessly to be the Dickinson State University you revere and cherish," said Coston.

He says from this point forward, the university will step up to make sure they are in full compliance with policies and regulations.

The university is reaching out to the 120 students currently on campus as part of these special international programs to work with them and make sure they meet necessary requirements to continue to seek a degree through Dickinson State University.

Dr. Coston says the university will look at these special programs, and may discontinue them. There are 170 other international students on campus not affected by this controversy.

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