Meet Our Staff

Sarah Garner, J.D.
Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator and Records Officer
815-753-5560 | sadamski1@niu.edu titleixcoordinator@niu.edu

Responsible for the development, coordination and leadership of the university's ethics and compliance program. Identifies compliance mandates and collaborates with campus partners to ensure implementation. Provides direct oversight of Title IX compliance and investigations. Manages the university's records retention program.

Deborah Gettemy, J.D., M.S. Ed.
Compliance Investigator
815-753-3302 | dgettemy@niu.edu

Investigates allegations of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment and retaliation in violation of university policy and various federal and state civil rights laws. Conducts applicable legal research as it relates to the current trends and laws governing higher education. Assists with the development and implementation of applicable policies and response procedures.

D Lockett, J.D.
Director of Investigations
815-753-1708 | dlockett@niu.edu

Manages the day-to-day responsibilities associated with internal administrative investigations of alleged civil rights and Title IX violations. Serves as the chief internal investigator for the university and deputy Title IX coordinator for investigations. Manages a team of investigators and conducts investigations when deemed appropriate. Evaluates laws and regulations pertaining to civil rights and Title IX to ensure compliance and best practice.

Theresa Melidis
Director of Clery Compliance and Title IX Investigator
815-753-9364 | tmelidis@niu.edu

Manages the university’s compliance with the Clery Act, such as drafting the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, training Campus Security Authorities, and classifying Clery-reportable crimes. Investigates Title IX/sexual misconduct complaints and conducts applicable legal research as it relates to the current trends and laws governing sexual misconduct in higher education. Assists with the development and implementation of applicable policies and response procedures.

Manuel Valdez, J.D.
Assistant Director of Investigations and Civil Rights Investigator
815-753-0810 | mvaldez2@niu.edu

Investigates allegations of discrimination, harassment and retaliation in violation of university policy and various federal and state civil rights laws. Advises and trains departments on issues related to ECO policies and response procedures. Responsible for information requests and reporting to external agencies.

Katharine Whitelaw
Information Technology Accessibility Officer
815-753-5467 | kwhitelaw@niu.edu

Promotes the accessibility of NIU's electronic and information technology as required by Illinois and federal law. Works with Procurement Services to purchase accessible products. Responds to issues regarding inaccessible technology and helps identify short-term and long-term solutions. Educates the campus about what makes technology accessible and the benefits to everyone.

Jack Yetter, J.D.
Director of Privacy
jyetter@niu.edu 

Manages the university's privacy program. Collaborates with departments to ensure compliance with privacy laws and regulations. Updates and drafts policies to guide the storage and maintenance of data on campus.