DICKINSON — The North Dakota University System has brought in an outside firm to investigate financial compliance at Dickinson State University (DSU). This decision followed a special meeting of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education on December 30, where the board discussed the internal review and findings of their Chief Compliance Officer.
Chairman Kevin Black shared that the recent examination of DSU’s financial practices raised questions. Therefore, they hired the firm CliftonLarsonAllen to conduct a thorough review of accounting processes and to ensure they align with established policies and financial standards. “This review is both a look back and forward,” Black explained, “aimed at finding any policy violations and improving systems.”
The compliance office plays a key role in promoting ethics and compliance within the North Dakota University System. Its responsibilities include preparing regular reports on compliance status and addressing potential fraud issues.
Recently, DSU placed Vice President of Finance and Administration Les Wietstock on administrative leave. This notice, effective December 8, was brief and did not outline a replacement timeline, leaving questions about the future of his role. Wietstock had been active in meetings with the State Board as recently as late October.
According to a 2022 report from the National Center for Education Statistics, financial oversight in higher education is critical. Schools must ensure that funds are used appropriately to maintain trust and accountability. This highlights the importance of DSU’s decision to conduct an independent review.
In recent social media discussions, many faculty and staff expressed concerns about the implications of this investigation for the university’s reputation and future funding. Some worry about how these issues could affect student enrollment and community trust. As financial scrutiny continues in higher education systems, this investigation at DSU leads to significant discussions about transparency and efficiency in managing public funds.
For further information on compliance and financial standards in education, you can refer to the [U.S. Department of Education](https://www.ed.gov) for a comprehensive overview.
