The AVID Learning Success Center is here to help

Mt. Hood students have a great team ready to help them with their studies, and more.

AVID – known as Advancement Via Indvidual Determination – and the Learning Success Center staff space are set up in Room 1451 on the Main Mall of the Gresham campus.

This is a summary of the information, services and resources provided in the AC1451 computer lab, plus a profile of some of the team members who are willing to help MHCC students with their academic success, and also anything they can do to assist students.

Among AVID-LSC services and resources available to students are using the computer lab, receiving any class or computer class help, plus general help from AVID staff, and getting their MHCC student ID cards.

Specifically during Fall Term, services offered include AVID academic coaching, computer skills support and tutoring, math and sciences tutoring, and writing tutoring, which are offered both in person and online.

Mostly importantly, these services are for all MHCC students, whether they are getting financial aid or not.

The star student worker

Hayden Blanchard, a computer science major at MHCC, has been working as a computer tutor for Federal Work Study salary since last winter. He explained that because he likes technology, he wanted to help others as a 1451 lab tutor. With a very friendly and easy-going personality he enjoys working in the lab while helping others.

His daily tasks as computer tutor are providing students with general technological help, answering questions, helping them set up their Saint email accounts, and cleaning and organizing the computer lab. Also he helps students to navigate essential tools and resources that are used for class – such as BlackBoard, MyMhcc, all Microsoft software, SIMnet, etc.

“We all struggle from time to time, but it’s the determination to succeed and support of others that get us through it,” said Blanchard, who greets visitors with a smile.

Away from Mt. Hood, his hobbies include travel, hiking and exploring the outdoors.

The AVID-Learning Success Center Coordinators

Lance Lannigan, a graduate in English Literature, has been working at MHCC for over 20 years. He currently serves as a computer lab coordinator/technology and learning specialist. However, he first began working at MHCC as an Adult Basic Education instructor and he also worked in the “Steps to Success” effort to help those students in need to achieve their goals.

Now Lannigan supports students in setting/resetting their Saints email, with all Microsoft software, and with any academic or technological issues that students come in with. He also tutors for computer classes and teaches a free basic computer class for all MHCC students, either during the Summer or Winter Term. If you come to the lab, you will find him helping a student or on a meeting as he is very dedicated to the support.

Sarah Aimone started working at Mt. Hood as an AVID learning specialist in 2014. She holds an associate degree from community college, a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and a master’s degree in teaching. She is just one of the inspiring and amicable staff in AVID, as she always makes sure students feel welcome and comfortable when coming in for help.

Aimone provides general tutoring services, academic support for new and returning students, support for the AVID learning community classes, teaches a College Success class and runs the Summer Bridge program for new students.

She said she is immensely proud of the services and resources that are provided to all Mt. Hood students through the AVID-LSC department, as they are very flexible (in-person or online) and provide critical help to meet students’ needs. She said she enjoys working with students (and student-workers), making connections and better understanding students’ experiences and perspectives.

Advocate Staff