AIM Program

The AIM program serves Otero’s entire student population by promoting educational opportunities through orientation, mentoring, advising, case management and professional development.

Do you want to become a more successful college student?

The AIM program focuses on Building College Readiness through the development of expanded in-person and online orientation programs.  Students will better understand the processes and expectations of becoming a successful college student. The orientation programs also focus on helping families better understand how they can support their student.  Our case manager provides one-on-one assistance to students as well as offering workshops and wellness programs to help students build life skills.

Do you need guidance and support to achieve your goals?

The AIM program offers Mentoring and Advising programs.  Students are paired with faculty, staff and peer mentors who will help acquaint students with the Otero culture, provide information on services, careers, and give general support to the student throughout their academic experience at Otero.  Students will receive academic advising to help them choose a degree path, complete their degree on time, and graduate from Otero College.

What is a Mentor?

• A mentor is the missing link between a student and the college.   
• A caring and thoughtful person who provides access to people, places, experiences and resources on and off campus. 
• A role model who exemplifies in word and deed what it means to be an ethical, responsible, and compassionate person. 
• A trusted ally, or advocate, who works with, (not for), a mentee and on behalf of the mentee’s best interests and goals. 
• A knowledgeable guide who teaches through a commitment to the mutual growth of both mentee and mentor. 
• A knowledgeable and experienced guide who can navigate the process of getting through college. 

If you feel you have the qualities of being a mentor while getting paid to share your expertise, contact Lavona Tyscka at 719-384-6801 or email her at lavona.tyscka@otero.edu.  She is also available for walk-in visits in the Learning Commons, room 122.   

What is a Mentee?

Any student at Otero College who has a need to learn the resources that can help them be successful students.  A mentee can be a person who wants to learn more about what Otero College has to offer.  A mentee can be a person who wants to learn more about what the community has to offer students.  A mentee may be a person who has thought about leaving post-secondary education because they don’t feel like they quite fit in or haven’t found the right support group for them.  As you can tell, a mentee is just about any student at Otero College who wants to learn more or be more involved.