Andrew Situ

Biography

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative, organizational, and project support to Kathy Liddle (Special Advisor on Access)  

• Support access initiatives, such as SEE U of T Scarborough and the Transitional Year Program at UTSC, maintaining and/or developing programming priorities  

• Develop and edit promotional and communication materials  

• Coordinate and support access events and opportunities  

• Update and maintain information and resources for the OVPD access portfolio and access initiatives generally 

Andrew Situ provides project management and administrative assistance to the Special Advisor on Access, responding to the objectives and priorities set out. Through the direction of the Special Advisor, Andrew liaises with campus partners, supporting current and emerging access programs and initiatives.

Prior to this role, Andrew has worked in various units across the University of Toronto, undertaking roles from stakeholder engagement, event coordination, to student advising. He holds an HBA from U of T Scarborough and completed an MEd in Higher Education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE.)

1. What can you tell us about a project you are currently working on?  SEE U of T Scarborough, which is an access program in collaboration with the Toronto District School Board. We engage with Black and Indigenous identifying high school students, inviting them to come participate at UTSC – SEE is about widening possibilities and empowering students to dream bigger about what they can do for post-secondary. Our first cohort is now in part 2 of the program; as Grade 12s, they get to take a first year UTSC course. We are also preparing for our next cohort coming in Winter 2024, where, as Grade 11s, they participate in a co-op placement with a campus partner. 
2. If you had to define yourself in three words, what would they be? Intentional, reflexive, happy 
3. What do you enjoy most about your role? I work interdepartmentally with many units across campus, and I am honoured to see how our collaborative work makes differences in students’ trajectories. I get to directly see how the students I work with grow over the time they are involved in our access programs. It is incredible how far students progress in their journeys, figuring out what their purpose is – or, at least a part of it - and building their confidence to reach their aspirations.  
4. Why U of T Scarborough?  I have been a part of UTSC since I started my undergrad here, almost a decade ago. From the people generally, to the visions they have, and their commitment to never settle, the community here pushes me to be my best self. From all the highs to the lows, and the laughs in between, UTSC is a special place. 
5. What important lesson have you learned in your current role?  The power of advocacy, to make sure that the work I - and we, collectively - do, continues to center those we serve. It is so important to stay grounded as initiatives grow, not losing sight of why we do the work.  
6. What is the one thing people likely do not know about you?  I lived in Newfoundland for the first 16 years of my life. I was on the west coast of the east coast (island), in Corner Brook. 
7. Which movie, book, or show makes you laugh the most?  Schitt's Creek - a must watch!