5 Questions with Orion Artis, Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Orion Artis stands in front of wood fence at an outdoor event

ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 19, 2024) — UAlbany alum Orion Artis '03 has recently taken on the role of Deputy Title IX Coordinator at the University. The Queens native joined the renamed Office of the Title IX Coordinator in July during its transition to a new location on the third floor of the Campus Center, and his arrival reflects an enhanced focus on the services and support the office provides students, faculty and staff.

As the deputy Title IX coordinator, Artis oversees University-wide compliance with policies and laws that prohibit discrimination and sexual misconduct. He also conducts investigations and offers the campus community access to trainings, resources and support services.

One can routinely find the father of three walking around campus meeting students, faculty and staff and he encourages the community to visit the office to learn more the University’s commitment to fostering a living, learning and working experience that is safe, welcoming and inclusive.

What should people know about the Office of the Title IX Coordinator?

The Office of the Title IX Coordinator investigates claims of sex discrimination and sexual assault on campus. We're here to facilitate students’ successful engagement in University programs and activities.

I'd like students to better understand that we are a resource for when they have issues. Title IX is very student focused. A lot of our work is determined and guided by their decision-making process: Is the situation preventing you from engaging in the University's programs and services? Does it deny access to the University's programs or services? We encourage everyone to alert the Title IX Office when they hear about allegations. I think that communicating what we see, what we know, and our curiosities helps facilitate that.

How can the campus community support Title IX at the University?

The community here is something that I've never experienced professionally; people care deeply about the mission of the school, the student body, and their colleagues and community.

To support their peers, I recommend students think of New York City’s old slogan: If you see something, say something. Or they can knock on the Title IX door just to say good afternoon. I'm a chatty person — come say hello, don't wait until you have trauma to know who we are. I'm here to help you get to know the services that we provide. So that way, in the event that you or someone you know may need them, I'm not a nameless or faceless bureaucrat.

What drew you to this position and to UAlbany?

I came to UAlbany as an Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) student, where students learn about the community. We learn the buildings, we learn the players to communicate with for help, for support — academic support and emotional support. I was a student ambassador for about three years, and I started a community service organization. All of those experiences are very nostalgic for me. Being so connected to the University all four years drew me to this position.

My majors were psychology and Africana studies. Africana studies, in particular, centers on the civil rights movement. As a lawyer, I wanted to transition from criminal justice into the education sphere to work in the area of civil rights. Title IX seemed like a natural way for me to move into that space. I still feel part of the movement of America that seems to have all people seen, regardless of any individual’s opinions of their lives or lifestyles; to say, “You are an American, you are free, you are free to be you.”

How do you navigate the challenges of working in the Title IX space?

After law school, I put on my first business card the Latin phrase “Inveniam viam,” which generally means “I will find a way or I will make one.” If there is a barrier, the first questions I ask myself are why is it here, and can it be moved or should it be moved? I will find ways to improve a system. I will think of ways to work around a system, sometimes the other side is where you have to be. Old methods of working, being, seeing — they don't always facilitate a new way of being and seeing. So that that's been my model: I will find a way or I will make one. I bring that kind of approach to my work. I understand what it means to work collaboratively with a team, but I also know how to push back in ways that are respectful.

Also I'm not afraid to introduce myself randomly to complete strangers. I make the rounds. I'm the guy who you talk to in line at the Campus Center and helps you to recognize the services that we have and that are welcomely provided.

Any favorite places in Albany?

I like green. We like hiking, we like camping and we have all of that within a 20-minute drive. I recently had the opportunity to take advantage of going to Saratoga Spa State Park. That was a blast. And just driving up and down the highways, the hills and the valleys, you don't get any of that in Chicago or the Great Plains. It's as flat as the eye can see.

The fountain is also very nostalgic for me and for most of the student body. When I was a student at UAlbany, I was able to bring my very young son to live with me during the summer and I have memories of bringing him to play in the fountain.