announcement

New Title IX coordinator to oversee sexual misconduct matters

Andrea Seiss, CLA ’99, a veteran Temple administrator who has held key roles in the Division of Student Affairs, will be the university’s new Title IX coordinator responsible for ensuring quality services and support systems related to sexual misconduct.

Beginning June 1, Seiss will oversee prompt investigation of complaints pertaining to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; ensure awareness of and training on sex discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct across campus; review and recommend modifications to policies; and conduct campus assessments pertaining to these issues.

Seiss, who most recently served as senior associate dean of students, will report to Valerie I. Harrison, CLA ’07, ’15, senior advisor to the president for compliance.

“The relationships Andrea has built at Temple and her substantial knowledge of the institution and especially the student conduct process will be tremendous assets to this role,” Harrison said. “Even more importantly, Andrea brings energy and passion for creating a climate for students that promotes learning, development and wise decision-making.”

With a background in social work, Seiss worked for the Defender Association of Philadelphia as a child-advocate case worker. She joined Temple’s Division of Student Affairs in 2000, starting in the former Student Assistance Center, moving into student conduct and then into the Dean of Students Office.

She has served as a supervisor for Disability Resources and Services, orientation and student conduct and has led the university’s Good Neighbor Initiative, multiple scholarship competitions, and many committees and working groups.

Seiss is a longtime member of the Association of Student Conduct Administrators and co-chairs the organization’s research committee. She earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Cabrini College and is completing her doctorate in Temple’s College of Education.

In her new role, Seiss’s initial priorities include discussing with campus partners how to enhance education and prevention initiatives, examining university policies related to sexual misconduct to ensure they are as clear as possible and further streamlining the investigation process.  

“I am committed to creating an experience that is transparent, fair and makes everyone involved as comfortable as possible,” Seiss said. “I am excited to collaborate with colleagues in new ways and provide the very best services for our students.”

Equal Opportunity Compliance Director Sandy Foehl will continue to help guide efforts for affirmative action, equal access and equal opportunity. The Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance is responsible for implementing Temple’s nondiscrimination policy and the university’s Affirmative Action Program.