To the Temple University Community:

Three months ago, I created a Special Task Force to review recommendations in the report by Judge Louis Freeh. The Task Force was charged to (1) review in detail the Report of the Special Investigative Counsel ("the Freeh Report") of July 12, 2012, (2) identify potential implications for Temple University (including the Temple University Health System) and potential recommendations for action as warranted by its findings and (3) make a report on its findings and any recommendations simultaneously to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, University Counsel and the Acting President. I asked that the Task Force complete its work by September 15, 2012.

Last week, the Chairman of the Board, University Counsel and I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Task Force, and receive and discuss their final report. In talking with the Task Force members, I was especially impressed by the group's hard work and dedication in accomplishing its task and its ability to balance Temple's mission, which includes high levels of interaction with and outreach to the City of Philadelphia, with keen attention to the safety of non-matriculating minors.

I want to thank the Task Force members for their dedication, diligence and hard work. The group was chaired by JoAnne Epps, Dean of the Beasley School of Law. Joining her were William Bergman, Vice President for Operations; Dr. James Earl Davis, Interim Dean of the College of Education; Dr. John DiMino, Director of Tuttleman Counseling Services and a licensed psychologist; Dr. Frank Friedman, Professor, College of Science and Technology; Michael Gebhardt, Deputy University Counsel; Dr. Stephanie Ives, Dean of Students; Beth Koob, Chief Counsel for Temple University Health System; Eleanor Myers, Associate Professor in the Beasley School of Law and Faculty Athletics Representative; Harry Young, Associate Vice President for Human Resources; and Lisa Zimmaro, Assistant Vice President, Risk Management and Treasury. The Task Force was staffed by four senior administrators: Anne Nadol, Assistant Vice President, Executive Office of the President; Dr. Kathryn D'Angelo, Assistant Vice President, Finance and Administration; Marylouise Esten, Associate Dean of the Beasley School of Law; and Sherryta Freeman, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Compliance.

As part of the process, I had asked the Task Force to inform me of any changes that would need to be effective prior to the beginning of the school year. Two areas were identified, and immediate action was taken. First, we contacted the Campus Security Authorities (CSAs), individuals who are designated under the Clery Act to report campus-related crimes as specified in the law. We reminded the CSAs of their special role and how they can report incidents. Second, we recognized the need for appropriate policies to ensure the safety of non-matriculated minors staying overnight in university housing. A temporary moratorium on overnight visits by non-matriculated minors was put in place at the beginning of the school year until such time that we have appropriate policies in place for the different types of circumstances involving overnight visitors.

Ensuring institutional integrity is a university-wide responsibility. That being said, I have taken the additional action of having our Internal Audits Department (a) have each of its auditors review the Freeh Report and the report of the Special Task Force; (b) include in its schedule an audit of our institutional compliance with the Clery Act and (c) have each auditor, during audits of any Temple University unit, be cognizant of the matters raised in the Special Task Force report and the Freeh Report as they relate to Temple University, especially with respect to the protection of minors.

The report of the Task Force is now available at http://www.temple.edu/president/InstitutionalIntegrityReport.pdf. Please join me in thanking the Task Force members for an excellent job.

To build on the work of the Task Force, I am appointing a small group, including Dean Epps, to assist me in designing an implementation strategy, with a timetable, that takes into consideration the findings and recommendations in this report.

Again, I want to thank the committee members and everyone who helped them in this process.

Sincerely,

Richard M. Englert
Acting President