ND SB2150

Students at state board of higher education institutions have the right to be represented by an attorney or nonattorney advocate at their own expense in disciplinary proceedings that could result in suspension or expulsion, excluding academic misconduct cases.

Student organizations officially recognized by state institutions have the same right to be represented by an attorney or nonattorney advocate in disciplinary proceedings that could result in suspension or removal from the institution.

Students and student organizations suspended or expelled may appeal to an institutional administrator or body that did not make the initial decision within one year, with representation rights applying to the appeal process.

Appeals may raise issues of new evidence, contradictory evidence, or lack of due process, and the appellate body may grant, deny, or modify the appeal; institutions may reimburse tuition and fees if the appeal reverses the decision or lessens the sanction.

The state board of higher education must develop and implement a uniform disciplinary procedure applied to all institutions and report on implementation status to legislative management by July 1, 2016.