Andrew Velazquez is a Senior Solutions Specialist at Grand River Solutions with more than thirteen years of experience working in the legal and administrative field. Andrew first began his career in higher education in 2017 when he was hired to conduct administrative investigations for San Francisco State University. As a Title IX/DHR Investigator, Andrew conducted investigations into serious complaints covered under institutional administrative policies, including complaints regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination/harassment (based on a protected status), retaliation, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, and the failure to provide reasonable accommodations to students or employees with a disability. He has investigated complaints made by students, faculty members, staff, and third parties. Andrew also has extensive training on how to conduct investigations in a trauma-informed manner.

Andrew has presented on numerous topics related to Title IX and higher education, including the importance of affirmative consent, conduct that is discriminatory or harassing, the duty to report a complaint as a mandated reporter, and the duty to engage in the interactive process (under the Americans with Disabilities Act). Andrew also has presented on a variety of topics aimed to create a more inclusive environment for the campus community, including LGBTQ+ awareness workshops, inclusive pronoun training, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment workshops, and trauma-informed training for professors and staff.

Before working in higher education, Andrew practiced law as a licensed attorney in the areas of Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, and Appellant Law. He also worked on hundreds of cases dealing with a variety of legal and administrative issues.

Andrew received his Bachelor’s Degree from San Francisco State University. Andrew also received his Juris Doctorate from San Francisco Law School, where he was the valedictorian for his graduating class. Andrew is also a licensed attorney with The State Bar of California.