"As they say, it's a shame to waste a good crisis; best to use the crisis to step into the future."
Maggi Murdock to Stephen Easton, Email Communication, July 20, 2020
The North Dakota University System (NDUS) alleged at least seven violations of laws or procedures with the Dickinson State University (DSU) procurement process for Learning Corps, LLC (Wyoming). The resources linked below pertain to what was and is the overall story of DSU and Learning Corps, LLC. With this story, one should ask: Why doesn't North Dakota have better polices, procedures, and laws regarding favoritism or special treatment of friends for public contracts?
For the services of Learning Corps, LLC, DSU used federal funding (CARES Act). It is unclear if any federal policies, procedures, or laws were violated. Concerned about the possibility of a federal audit, around July 2021, one or more persons from DSU considered the possibility of using funds other than CARES Act funds to pay for the services of Learning Corps, LLC. It should be noted that this consideration occurred approximately six months after DSU made its final payment to Learning Corps, LLC (by or during December 2020). Learning Corps, LLC completed its services for DSU during December 2020.
In October 2020, DSU applied for a GEER grant for more instructional design services beyond 2020. It was clearly intended for Learning Corps, LLC to get the business. Although DSU did not get this particular grant, it is still a serious matter. A working principle in North Dakota for procurement is fair competition. Learning Corps, LLC would have had an unfair competitive advantage if DSU did get that grant. Presumably, there would have been another procurement process. One or two persons from Learning Corps, LLC substantially authored what was DSU's GEER grant application (including numbers) for additional instructional design training. Learning Corps, LLC would have been able to write a proposal to match what they developed for DSU. Like in the summer of 2020, Learning Corps, LLC was going to get the business.
"Is there a legislative agenda to silence whistleblowers at Dickinson State University?" (Dustin Gawrylow, North Dakota's Watchdog Update, January 21, 2023, North Dakota Watchdog Network)
"House Majority Leader's new bill aims to overhaul university tenure process" (James B. Miller, Jr., The Dickinson Press, January 20, 2023)
A Response to the Response, Part One (Dr. Eric Grabowsky) [page 2 and page 6]
Response to April 2022 Preliminary Case Report (Dickinson State University President Steve Easton) [pages 101-114 and pages 150-157 and items provided in the references section of the document]
Case Investigation Report on Dickinson State University (North Dakota University System, Office of Compliance and Ethics, April 25, 2022) [pages 46-55 and pages 78-82]
Federal audit risk question_1_7_2021
Final Summary Report - DSU Procurement
Review of DSU Instructional Design Procurement-Final
"Port: University system didn't provide sufficient oversight on problematic Dickinson State procurement" (Rob Port, The Dickinson Press, December 2, 2021)
"NDUS investigation finds improper procurement in DSU contract" (James B. Miller, Jr., The Dickinson Press, November 19, 2021)
"DSU students demand resignation of university president, VPAA and dean" (James Miller, The Dickinson Press, October 30, 2021)
"Dickinson State student creates petition on program, administration concerns" (Sara Berlinger, KFYR TV, October 29, 2021)
"DSU faculty members earn Master Teacher in Resilient Teaching and Learning certificates" (Dickinson State University, November 25, 2020)
"DSU plans to continue hybrid model after COVID" (Kayla Henson, The Dickinson Press, August 27, 2020)
Dropbox Folder Containing Important Documents
Learning Corps K12 Website (Wayback Machine, Internet Archive)
Learning Corps, LLC Website (Wayback Machine, Internet Archive)