Melissa D. Pond, Esq., is New York Tech's equity officer, Title IX coordinator, and Section 504 coordinator. She earned her J.D. from St. John's University School of Law and her B.S. from St. John's University.
Pond oversees compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, New York State Education Law Article 129-B ("Enough is Enough") and other federal, state, and local laws pertaining to sex discrimination and gender-based misconduct. Pond also oversees compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other laws pertaining to protecting qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability.
As the university's Equity Officer, she collaborates with stakeholders to impact the institution's equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging goals. While Pond is based at the Long Island campus, she serves students, faculty, and staff at all New York Tech campuses.
Her career path includes serving as Kings County Assistant District Attorney, Nassau County Assistant District Attorney, and Equal Opportunity Investigator with the New York City Department of Education. A consummate professional, she has particular expertise in conducting sensitive investigations.