What are office hours? Here's why you should go
Starting college comes with lots of new experiences, and office hours are one of them. If you've never been to office hours before, you're not alone.Ìý
Office hours are times your professor sets aside each week to meet with students outside of class. You don't have to be struggling or have a major problem to stop by. They're there to answer questions, explain course material and help you succeed.Ìý
Meeting with your professor early in the semester can help you feel more confident, understand class expectations and make it easier to ask questions later. Here's how to make the most of office hours.
ÌýÌýStart with a simple introductionÌý
You don't need to wait until you're confused or falling behind to visit office hours.Ìý
Early in the semester, stop by to introduce yourself, ask about the course or learn more about your professor's teaching style. Building that connection now can make future conversations feel much easier.Ìý
Later in the semester, office hours are also a great place to:Ìý
- Ask questions about assignments or course material.ÌýÌý
- Review feedback on quizzes or exams.ÌýÌý
- Catch up after missing class.ÌýÌý
- Explore topics you're interested in.ÌýÌý
- Ask about research, careers or graduate school.Ìý
ÌýÌýNot sure what to ask?Ìý
If you're worried about showing up without the "perfect" question, don't be. Professors expect students to ask questions, and they want to help.Ìý
Here are a few conversation starters:Ìý
- What's the best way to study for this class?ÌýÌý
- What topics should I focus on first?ÌýÌý
- Can you explain this concept another way?ÌýÌý
- How does this week's reading connect to what we covered in class?ÌýÌý
- Do you have advice for preparing for the first exam or project?ÌýÌý
If your scheduled office hours conflict with another class, check your syllabus or email your professor to ask about another meeting time.Ìý
ÌýÌýMake the most of your visitÌý
A little preparation can help you get the most from office hours.Ìý
Before you go:Ìý
- Bring your notes, assignments or questions.ÌýÌý
- Write down the topics you want to discuss.ÌýÌý
During your visit:Ìý
- Start with your biggest questions.ÌýÌý
- Take notes so you remember key ideas.ÌýÌý
- Ask follow-up questions if something is still unclear.ÌýÌý
If you need more support, ask about next steps or schedule another meeting.Ìý
ÌýÌýYou don't have to figure it out aloneÌý
Office hours are just one of many ways to get academic support at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ.Ìý
If you're a first-year student or live on campus, the Academic Success & Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring) connects you with free peer tutoring, study support and other resources to help you succeed. ASAP Tutoring also offers a Lending Library where you can borrow textbooks for many general education and lower-division courses.Ìý
Looking for additional help? ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ also offers tutoring and learning resources across campus, including subject-specific tutoring, academic skill development and other support services. Many are free, and others are available at a low cost.Ìý
Whether you're asking your professor a quick question, meeting with an ASAP peer tutor or using another campus resource, getting help early can make classes less stressful and help you build confidence throughout the semester.Ìý