Sara-Marni Hubbard reflects on her 10 years working at U of T and her new role
Ultra Vires (UV): Although many of our students know you, some of the 1Ls may not be as familiar. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sara-Marni Hubbard (SMH): I would be delighted to. I have worked at the law school in a few different roles for about 10 years. I am a co-curricular educational designer. I am also a Doctoral candidate and I am currently about halfway through writing my dissertation, a disability studies history of the Toronto Asylum’s role in immigration and deportation. My research areas are disability history, public health history, and histories of immigration and migration. I grew up in Toronto. I love to run and bike. I like science fiction and big dogs. I try to have fun every day.
UV: What drew you to work in university administration, and specifically, to work here at the Faculty of Law?
SMH: I was looking for a new opportunity to do the work that I enjoy, which is designing and delivering educational programs, and I got very lucky to land a job as the first Student Programs Coordinator at U of T Law. I will tell anyone who will listen that U of T Law is an awesome place to work. The students are amazingly smart and engaged, the building is filled with natural light, and the staff and faculty are wonderful colleagues. I found a work home here at the law school when I started 10 years ago, and I am very grateful.
UV: What is your proudest accomplishment so far in your time at the Faculty?
SMH: I think I’m most proud of building meaningful relationships with student leaders and student groups, especially the equity-seeking student groups. The law school has over 50 student groups, which is a lot for a population of 650 students, and they do amazing work. My goal is to help student leaders in whatever way they need, whether it be with administration and logistics, ideation, or funding.
I’m also very proud of growing the law school’s exchange program. Together with U of T’s Centre for International Experience, I led the law school in doubling the number of exchange host schools available for students by creating partnerships with prominent international law schools. I also grew student participation in the program from sending 18 students in 2011 to 75 in 2018.
UV: In the last few years particularly, students have been calling for more awareness towards accessibility and inclusivity, and specifically for action from school administrators. How do you intend to create a more inclusive and accessible space at the Faculty in your new role as Director, Student Programs?
SMH: Access and inclusion are something I care deeply about. My PhD is in the department of Social Justice Education, and as a queer staff member and student with a disability, I have both lived and learned experience of barriers to my full inclusion at U of T. In addition to working closely with, and supporting the work of the Assistant Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, I see my role as listening to student concerns and feedback and taking action to create safe spaces and to support students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented at U of T Law.
I value and am committed to listening to student feedback and working closely with students and being responsive to their feedback where I can. I think that while other staff at the law school and I have a responsibility to do our own learning on issues related to equity, diversity, inclusivity, and access, students are also well situated to give us meaningful feedback about the barriers they are encountering.
UV: In the post-pandemic landscape, what changes do you think will need to be made in order to continue providing effective student programming? Were there any positive changes that came from COVID?
SMH: I think fostering a sense of community and connection will remain crucial in the current landscape. Also, COVID isn’t over, it’s just the new normal, and thinking about what that means for members of our community whose health is impacted by COVID is important.
I have personally found that my experience with hybrid learning, where some of the participants are virtual and some are in person, has not been good, and so I’m curious to see what future developments in this space look like.
Also, the pandemic underscored the importance of mental health and well-being support for students. I am committed to incorporating more resources, workshops, and initiatives to address mental health concerns and promote overall well-being.
UV: Lastly, if you could say something to every single student at this law school, what would it be?
SMH: Do your best to stay curious, open-minded, and committed to the principles of justice and fairness. The law is a powerful tool for positive change, and your dedication to upholding it can make a meaningful impact. And don’t forget to take care of your well-being along the way!
Editor’s Note: Emily Sarah Hean has previously worked with Sara-Marni Hubbard in various roles during her time at U of T Law.
