Colton Clause (BSc ’17) comes to work every day passionate about creating an environment where every student can succeed.

As the Manager, Student Information and Services in Brock’s Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Services and lead of the Brock Central team, Clause and his colleagues operate as a one-stop hub of information. On any given day, he connects students from across the University to applicable academic and financial supports and provides them with the important information they need about registration, tuition, exams, class scheduling and more.

His efforts to increase educational access for marginalized students at Brock and help them overcome financial and resource barriers contributed to his recent recognition as the EDI Changemaker of the Month.

Awarded by Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity (HRE), EDI Changemakers are Brock students, staff or faculty who have helped advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus.

Tassia Gabbidon, Intake and Support Counsellor in HRE, said Clause’s leadership of “an outstanding team dedicated to providing vital academic, personal and financial support” is critical to “enhancing the overall student experience.”

“Colton’s commitment to inclusivity is also evident in his work, where he helps connect Indigenous students and staff with essential resources to support their academic success and cultural identity,” she said. “His dedication, both on and off campus, ensures that Indigenous students have access to the support they need to thrive at Brock.”

In his work, Clause said he endeavours to “bring awareness and understanding to help support students’ financial and academic well-being” and to provide reassurance while they navigate the complexities of the student experience. That could include anything from putting a student’s mind at ease about being able to drop a class without financial penalty to explaining how to access the various financial award applications or programs available to them. He also provides referrals to emergency funding and personal counselling supports when needed.

Clause said providing that assistance to students is rewarding and that he is privileged to work alongside a “community of amazing people who know how powerful a single supportive interaction can be.”

“I share this recognition with everyone from our support services across the University who continue to strive to make the Brock experience the best it can be,” he said. “I hope that students will continue to explore and get involved in opportunities and learn what supports they have access to.”

EDI Changemaker criteria and nomination information is available on the HRE website.