A brief historical review of the student disciplinary process in private colleges and universities, as well as a discussion of current practices and principles of student discipline, provide background for discussion of future possibilities. The analysis of current practices and principles includes a brief theoretical discussion about the legal basis for student discipline. Theories discussed include due process and contracts. Potential changes in the process in future years are examined and two areas of potential changes are identified. First, through review of case law, it appears that the concept of state action is being expanded with the result that more private colleges and universities could be affected by due process consideration. Second, there also appears to be an expansion in the public sector of a student's right to counsel during the disciplinary process. Implications from both of these possible changes are discussed. Private colleges and universities are advised that these changes may be forthcoming and that as a result, institutional student disciplinary practices and procedures could be affected. (MSE)