Library & Learning Commons

As an online platform, LibGuides provides educational resources and research materials for students to utilize for class projects and papers. The database is regularly updated and contains research databases organized by subject matter making it easier for students to find what they need.

Academic Support Services

In the southeast corner of the Learning Commons is the Academic Success Center. The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides services such as tutoring and academic workshops to all Otero students free-of-charge. These services are provided by our Academic Support staff. This staff includes the Professional Academic Support Specialists (P.A.S.S) team and the Student Engagement and Educational Development (S.E.E.D) team.

The P.A.S.S. Team members consist of professional staff who are experts in a variety of academic support areas. We have experts who can provide tutoring in a variety of subject areas through one-on-one tutoring or Supplemental Instruction sessions. We also have experts who provide Academic Workshops that spotlight topics such as: study skills, test taking strategies, note taking tips, avoiding plagiarism, utilizing research databases and many more.

The S.E.E.D. Team is compromised of Otero students who have completed at least one semester of college and have a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher. These individuals assist fellow students through peer tutoring or through being a student ambassador. As peer tutors they assist in subject areas that they received a B or higher. They provide tutoring through one-on-one sessions and Peer-Led Undergraduate Study sessions. As student ambassadors they help current Otero students with day-to-day questions and resources, while also providing prospective students through campus tours, student panels, and other duties on-campus.

In-house tutoring services are available during Learning Commons hours throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. For additional tutoring offered year-round, the Learning Commons provides free 24/7 tutoring through TutorMe, an online tutoring platform. Student’s can access this service through a course shell on their Desire2Learn account.

For additional information or to get connected with a member of our Academic Support staff, please use one of the following options:

• Schedule through Navigate – Access through your Student Portal
• Stop by the Learning Commons and speak to a staff member
• Call the Learning Commons at 719-384-6882

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services at Otero College collaborates campus-wide to remove barriers and provide equitable opportunities for qualified students with a diagnosis. The office promotes an inclusive learning environment through information, resources, education, and direct services to students. If you believe you qualify for reasonable academic accommodations, please contact us at oc-accessibility@otero.edu or stop by the Learning Commons, Office 123 to see the Accessibility Services Specialist. 

Library Services

The Learning Commons provides a variety of library services to community members and students. Students can utilize all services listed below. Community members can check-out books through Wheeler Library.

In the east corner of the Learning Commons is Wheeler Library. The Wheeler Library has been transformed to minimal print books and resources to a plethora of online resources and digital books to provide a resource to students no matter where they are studying. Our online collections include books, ebooks, research database, on-demand films, and newspapers. These can be accessed through the Wheeler Library website.

The Learning Commons circulates a multitude of items to current Otero College students. Frequently circulated items in the Learning Commons are the Overnight Laptops, Macbooks, iPads, and Study Rooms. 

Students are also able to bring their personal laptops to the Learning Commons where they can connect to the campus WiFi through their valid student credentials.

Otero students can also utilize the black and white or color printing. This is the only location for students to print in color. The charge of printing is linked to their PaperCut account that is allotted $25 each semester.

Student Support Services

The Learning Commons is also home to a multitude of Student Support Services.

AIM – Accessing Innovative Measures for Higher Education

The AIM (Accessing Innovative Measures) for Higher Retention grant is dedicated to improving Otero’s low retention rates which will lead to improved graduation and transfer rates, along with higher GPAs.

The grant award is funded by the Department of Education’s Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program (DHSI). Otero College has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2001, with over 38% of the College’s student population being of Hispanic descent.

Student Support Services – TRiO

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRiO Program under the U.S. Department of Education. The program is focused toward students who have one or more of the following factors: first-generation, low-income or disabled.

Venom Pit Coffee Shop

The Venom Pit Coffee Shop offers Starbucks beverages, smoothies, bottled and canned beverages, freshly baked muffins and cookies, and a variety of salads and sandwiches.

Hours of Operation

M – Th: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM