EDUCATION: ACE mentors hold Open House
By Chris Aguilar
Assistant Editor
Published Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
In an effort to gain more awareness of its program’s offerings, the Academic Center for Excellence held an Open House in February.
Texas A&M International University’s ACE opened its doors from Feb. 3 to 5 at the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library’s first floor. The program centers on helping freshmen navigate their first year. It offers a variety of services such as mentoring, tutoring, supplemental instruction and study skills workshops.
ACE mentor front desk worker Alyssa Guajardo shows a TAMIU student how to sign up for a mentor meeting in the Academic Center for Excellence office in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library on Feb. 19, 2026.
Built on a student-first philosophy, the program aims to foster a supportive and welcoming learning environment. Lizeth Gonzalez Bermea, an ACE mentor who attended the open house, emphasized the role of mentorship in easing the transition into college life.
“We help freshmen, especially, to transition from high school and into university life, and pretty much be their cheerleaders along the way,” Gonzalez said.
While attendance was mandatory, mentors said the experience they provide offers more than a simple grade. ACE mentors encouraged students to register for required mentor sessions and offered information about the program’s requirements during the three-day event.
“Fifteen percent of their final grade is to take the mentor meetings,” Gonzalez said. “So, it is six mentor meetings that they need to take during the semester, and we grade them based on attendance.”
Beyond outlining program requirements, mentors emphasize the long-term impact ACE can have on students adjusting to campus life. Gonzalez revealed that her freshman experience served as the catalyst for her to become a mentor. She explained that having those weekly meetings provided her with a reliable someone to confide in.
“The way my mentors were, when I was a freshman, helped me out,” Gonzalez said. “They were pretty nice to talk to, especially because you met them once a week. So, now I just want to pass on the message.”
Communication, time management and academic success methods are among the practical skills covered in mentor sessions. Although mentors understand that not all students will receive straight A’s from the beginning, they concentrate on giving newcomers the necessary resources to develop and get better throughout the semester.
The goal of an ACE mentor is to remind freshmen that they are not alone throughout their first year through weekly connections and placing an emphasis on growth, rather than perfection.
