The people behind student success deserve to be recognized. Join us as we honour staff members whose dedication and outstanding work have made a difference in the lives of students. Nominated by their colleagues, friends, or students, these dedicated individuals are worth celebrating!
Meet Stefanie
Graduate and Undergraduate Administrator Stefanie Steele is the first of the exceptional administrative staff members we’ll be highlighting throughout the year. Nominated by a student in the Women and Gender Studies Institute (WGSI), Stefanie is being recognized for her dedication, hard work, and commitment to the graduate community.
SGS: How long have you worked at U of T? How long has it been in your current department?
Stefanie: I’ve been at U of T since 2010 and at WGSI for three years.
SGS: What do you enjoy most about your role?
Stefanie: The balance between administrative work and student advising. On the administrative side, I enjoy finding ways to improve processes, create efficiencies, and make systems work better for both students and faculty. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and implementing changes that have a meaningful impact.
Equally rewarding is working directly with students. I enjoy helping them navigate the complexities of university policies and procedures, answering their questions, and supporting them throughout their graduate journey. Being able to provide guidance, solve problems, and help students feel more confident as they move through their programs is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job.
SGS: What advice would you give to incoming graduate students?
Stefanie: To take ownership of their graduate experience. It’s very important to be proactive in building a strong supervisory relationship by setting clear goals, establishing realistic timelines, and scheduling regular check-in meetings with your supervisor. Once coursework is complete, many students find the transition to independent research challenging due to the lack of formal structure. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek support, and get to know your graduate administrator! We are here to help you navigate your program and connect you with the resources you need.
SGS: Coffee, tea, or something else – what gets you through the busy season?
Stefanie: Coffee is definitely part of my daily routine, but it’s really the combination of coffee and good company that helps me through the busiest times of the year. Taking a few minutes to chat and share a coffee with colleagues provides a welcome mental break, a chance to problem-solve together, and a reminder that we’re all working toward the same goals.
Outside of work, regular workouts are essential. Exercise helps me manage stress, clear my mind, and maintain the energy I need to stay focused and productive during demanding periods. That balance of connecting with colleagues during the workday and prioritizing physical activity outside of work helps me stay motivated, resilient, and ready for whatever the busy season brings.
SGS: What has been your most memorable experience?
Stefanie: It’s difficult to choose just one memorable experience, but one that stands out is organizing faculty interviews for the Department of Chemistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was balancing the demands of working remotely while caring for two very young children at home. The search involved coordinating two-day interview schedules for three candidates, two of whom were located in different time zones. To make matters more challenging, the interview schedules overlapped, requiring careful planning and constant attention to detail to ensure everything ran smoothly.
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