Senate Bill 360 Summary

• Board of Governors must adopt mandatory systemwide policies for university disciplinary proceedings involving sexual misconduct allegations, including accused students' rights to legal counsel, cross-examination of witnesses, written findings, and appeals.

• Standard of proof for sexual misconduct findings shall be "clear and convincing evidence," and the investigator cannot also serve as fact-finder in subsequent hearings.

• Each UNC constituent institution must adopt policies governing student disciplinary proceedings that comply with Board of Governors requirements and establish due process procedures.

• Students have the right to be represented by a licensed attorney or nonattorney advocate at their own expense during disciplinary proceedings, except for student honor courts or academic dishonesty cases.

• Long-term suspension or expulsion requires a hearing with due process protections; mandatory suspensions or expulsions are prohibited unless required by state or federal law; suspension and expulsion limited to serious violations threatening safety or substantially disrupting the educational environment.

• Act becomes effective October 1, 2019, and applies to investigations and proceedings initiated on or after that date.