Measure 3 is a referred measure that will appear on the November ballot. The measure would amend Article 8 Section 6 of the North Dakota Constitution to dissolve the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) and replace it with a government appointed three-person commission to oversee North Dakota's 11 current state institutions. The students of North Dakota oppose this measure for three major reason
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- By eliminating the SBHE, this legislation would also eliminate student representation in the governance of higher education. As the North Dakota University System's primary stakeholder, we believe that our voice is vital to making decisions in the best interest of current and future students of higher education.
- The proposed system of governance has not been implemented in any state in the country. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has stated that it will be forced to make what it considers a quick decision on the new governance plan if the measure were to pass. If the HLC does not feel it can appropriately assess the proposed plan between the end of the legislative session and the implementation date of July 1, 2015, it would be forced to place every university and college on "notice" or "probationary" status, or issue a "reason to show cause" as to why accreditation should be upheld. Any of the previous three actions would have an adverse effect on enrollment, carrying with it serious financial consequences.
- Measure 3 eliminates language in the North Dakota Constitution that includes the names and missions of eight of North Dakota's current institutions. By eliminating such language, the amendment would enable the legislature to make dramatic changes to the structure of the university system. Such changes cannot be made without voter consent under the current language.
