Sarah Anne Szabototh

Administrative Staff Candidate

Question 1: I believe that I would be an excellent candidate to be considered as an Administrative Staff Governor because:

For the past 8 years I have worked as both the Department Administrator for Biology and the Institute Administrator for Biochemistry. The two units operate with distinct objectives. This dynamic has taught me confidentiality around deliberations and gave me perspective on navigating conflicting agendas. I view decision making from the lens of the unit I represent in the moment, putting on my “Biology hat” and my “Biochemistry hat” at different times throughout the day.

If elected, I am confident I will excel in setting aside my personal thoughts on a given matter to articulate the perspective of the greater administrative staff body, and ultimately vote in the best interest of the university as a whole.

When contributing to the committees I sit on, I investigate and communicate potential implications of actions early on. I come informed to meetings and I am confident in asking questions and sharing my views. Furthermore, I am a team player. If you’ve ever messaged me, you know I am quick to offer any support I can.

Question 2: I have the following skills and experiences which would be beneficial in my role as Administrative Staff Governor:

I have worked full-time at Carleton for 12 years and quickly advanced into a leadership role in the summer of 2018. I am proud to have received the Service Excellence Award for a Team with my Biology and Biochemistry colleagues in 2022.

Three years ago was invited to join the Executive Timetabling Committee, chaired by the University Registrar, to represent the staff perspective during the annual review of the Coordinated Timetabling Policy. This opportunity has given me some insight into high-level decision-making process at Carleton.

My current role has given me 8 years’ experience in the financial operation of funds upwards of ~$500,000 annually between the two units I administer. I was invited to a 2022 Academic Heads Round Table meeting as a guest speaker on Budget Planning. I am confident this will be an asset when interpreting the specific financial statements reviewed by the Board of Governors.

I have coordinated Carleton’s Annual Biology Butterfly Show since 2020. This involves networking extensively with internal and external partners each year to generate new ideas that will help lead to the necessary donations to keep the show running. Throughout the process I carefully consider Carleton’s role and reputation within the greater Ottawa community.

Question 3: If elected to the Board, what would you like to gain from the experience and/or what skills would you like to further develop?

If I were to be elected, I most look forward to participating in the important discussions that lead to decisions which impact the university long-term. I have always enjoyed critical thinking, and I have been told I have a skill in anticipating points of potential misinterpretation. I would love to learn more about high-level governance for an Institution that I am dedicated to, having spent half my life on this campus as a student and staff member.

I believe I would learn more than I can even anticipate at this time. I would love to have this experience help me develop my big picture visioning. My daily work is largely centered around operational management, so changing focus to strategic planning would be a welcome adjustment.