Office of Compliance and Ethics

Welcome to the Office of Compliance and Ethics

At Governors State University, we are committed to fostering a community of integrity, responsibility, and ethical conduct. Our Office of Compliance and Ethics serves as a guiding force, ensuring that all members of our university community adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Meet the University Director of Compliance: Kaitlyn Anne Wild

In early 2021, GovState created the Office of Compliance and Ethics when it hired Kaitlyn Anne Wild as its first Director of Compliance. After having worked as an attorney in a private practice for ten years, Ms. Wild was excited to join GovState and support the university in its mission.

Since joining GovState, Ms. Wild has further taken on the roles of Ethics Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and FOIA Officer. Now, in addition to guiding the university on matters of legal and regulatory compliance and ethics, she also assists employees and students directly with their compliance and ethics questions and concerns.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Wild for any reason.

Kaitlyn Anne Wild, J.D., M.B.A. (she/her/hers)

Director of Compliance & Ethics Officer
Office of the General Counsel
1 University Parkway - G328
University Park, IL 60484
Office: 708.534.4846
Cell: 815.325.2910
Direct Email: kwild@govst.edu
Department Email: ethicsofficer@govst.edu

Office Responsibilities

Ethics Act Compliance

As the officially designated Ethics Officer for GovState, the Director of Compliance oversees the University’s compliance with the Illinois State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, 5 ILCS 430 (the "Act"). Her responsibilities include administering required ethics and harassment/discrimination prevention trainings, reviewing employee Statements and Supplemental Statements of Economic Interest, maintaining the University’s C-List and H-List under the “revolving door” provisions, and liaising with the Office of the Executive Inspector General (OEIG) and the Executive Ethics Commission (EEC) on behalf of the University.

Read the Act Visit OEIG Visit EEC

Compliance Program Stewardship

Our office has been tasked with creating and stewarding GovState’s compliance program, which addresses the University’s statutory and regulatory obligations. We work with all other University departments to make compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and the policies GovState puts in place under those laws and regulations, a priority for the entire University community. More specifically, we are responsible for program measures including running the annual “compliance awareness” survey for employees, generating and submitting multiple annual reports to various other State agencies, and compiling and distributing annual consumer information disclosures.

The Compliance Survey Reports describing and analyzing the results of GovState's 3rd Annual Compliance Awareness Survey (administered during Fall 2023) and 4th Annual Compliance Awareness Survey (administered during Fall 2024) are available.

TIX CSMCS Data Report 2024

TIX CSMCS Data Report 2025

Title IX Compliance

We oversee the University’s Title IX program, and the Director of Compliance serves as the University’s designated Title IX Coordinator. Our responsibilities include promoting compliance with the various facets of the Title IX law (20 U.S.C. § 1681) and regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106) and administering the investigation and hearing procedures under the GovState’s Title IX policy (Policy 78).

Title IX Webpage

Oversight of Reporting Channels

We are responsible for assisting in the maintenance of accessible and confidential channels through which employees and students can report sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination or harassment, ethical concerns, and unlawful retaliation. Along with the Human Resources Department, Office of the Dean of Students, Office of the General Counsel, and Department of Public Safety, as appropriate, we also work to address all reports submitted through such channels.

Reporting Misconduct Info Page

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Compliance

We are responsible for the University’s compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140). All incoming requests for records under FOIA are collected by the Director of Compliance, who also serves as the University’s official designated FOIA Officer, and she oversees the University’s responses and production of records.

Read FOIA FOIA Webpage

Office Services and Resources

Training Programs

Our office oversees several mandatory annual trainings for University employees, including about ethical conduct, harassment and discrimination prevention, and mandatory reporting of at-risk children. We also oversee certain extracurricular trainings for students, including about sexual harassment prevention and bystander intervention. These training courses and programs are designed to empower faculty, staff, and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex ethical, regulatory, and security situations.

Consultation Services

The Director of Compliance is available for consultations related to any of the areas overseen by our office. Whether you have questions about University policies, ethical concerns, or need guidance on a specific situation, she is here to help.

Reporting Mechanisms

We provide accessible and confidential channels for reporting ethical concerns, and potential violations of applicable laws, and instances of harassment or discrimination. Your voice matters, and we are committed to maintaining an environment where individuals feel safe coming forward with their concerns.

Educational Initiatives

We engage in ongoing educational initiatives to raise awareness about discrimination prevention, sexual harassment and violence prevention, and ethical issues and to promote a culture of continuous improvement. This includes workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns.

Get More Information

Kaitlyn Anne Wild
Director of Compliance and Ethics Officer
Governors State University 1 University Parkway, G-328 University Park, IL 60484
708-534-4846
ethicsofficer@govst.edu