This guide to student disciplinary hearings provides an understanding of procedures and options during the student suspension or expulsion process through the perspectives of the different participants. Section 1, "Why Hearings?" discusses due process and the three categories of student disciplinary hearings: pre-suspension, suspension, and expulsion. Section 2 analyzes the roles and responsibilities of hearing participants, including the board of education, hearing officers and board committees, administrators, attorneys, and witnesses. Section 3, "Organizing the Expulsion Hearing," reviews how the hearing is scheduled and includes a sample notice of hearing. The section presents documents involved and an explanation of possible seating arrangements and methods of recording and hearing. Section 4, "Conducting the Hearing," describes setting the tone of the hearing and formal and informal procedures. The section provides an overview of the order of events: the case for expulsion, swearing witnesses, the student's side, closing statements, deliberation and decision, formal action, and decision and notification. A sample notice of expulsion is included. Section 5 discusses related questions concerning rules of evidence, witnesses, contraband, and open versus closed meetings. A summary of pertinent case law is appended. (CJH)