How Office Hours Can Help You in College

Professors have designated times during the week set aside specifically for students in their course, commonly known as office hours. If you are unsure of the benefits of going to your professor's office hours, consider the ways below as good reasoning to set a meeting with your professor.

By Kennae Hunter — March 13, 2023

Tags: advising, advisor, asking for help, community building, hidden curriculum, office hours

How Office Hours Can Help You in College

Sometimes it's nerve-wracking to ask professors questions or even converse with them. A good relationship with the professor will be key to making the most of a course. Since instruction time is limited, that time usually cannot be used to focus on one student's personal needs — especially with the size of classes; it just would not be fair. Arriving before or after class is cool to speak with the professor for a quick question or comment. Even then, the professor may have other obligations that limit their time.

This is why professors have designated times and days during the week set aside specifically for students in their course, commonly known as office hours, to utilize for more one-on-one time. For example, your English professor's office hours may be Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Office hours are usually found in the syllabus. Do not be a student that takes this time for granted. If you are unsure of the benefits of going to your professor's office hours, consider the ways below as good reasoning to set a meeting with your professor.

Assignment/Paper Review

Attending office hours will allow you to speak with your professor about an assignment or paper you have written prior to submission for feedback or to clarify any parts you may not understand. Of course, they cannot give away answers or directly tell you what to say in your writing. Still, no one knows the expectations better than the professor that wrote the instructions. With that in mind, it may help your grade to get your first round of feedback from your professor rather than a tutor or a friend. The professor could explain if you are following the prompt or are on the right track with the assignment. Outside of office hours, your professor may not have the time since office hours is the time set aside to be dedicated to your course.

Opportunity to Build a Relationship with Professor

Having good relationships with your professors is one of the best things for students. These connections not only make the class much smoother and can lead to other opportunities, but they can also enhance your overall college experience. Networking with professors is essential in college. As mentioned, there is not enough time to speak individually with each student during class. Office hours are a good time to have more conversations with your professor. You may discuss the material more deeply or share ideas on the content. Professors are helpful professionally as you may need them to write recommendation letters or give you advice. You will want to have gotten to know each other so the mentoring can be effective.

Shows Effort

Office hours are not mandatory. Professors appreciate when students take the time to show up for given opportunities to connect. Being present shows that, as a student, you are making an effort in class—whether for extra help or just to chat—showing up to office hours takes the student's initiative. Showing effort pays off when you need extra credit or in an incident when the professor has discretion, and the professor has to reflect on your behavior during the course.

Extra Assistance with Course

Since instruction time is limited, the teaching may go by a little fast, and there may not be much time to stop and ask but a few questions. During office hours, you can ask as many questions as needed. The professor can walk you through the material and recommend study ideas and resources for you, as it may be easier for them to identify where and why you are struggling. This can also allow for alternate explanations. Also, for upcoming assignments, you can discuss your ideas with your professor and receive some guidance and approval.

Discuss Grades

Office hours are an excellent time to discuss if you are unsure where your grade is in the class. It allows for privacy to have what could be a tough conversation and to follow the rules, as some universities do allow the discussion of grades through email. If you are unhappy with your grade, your professor can recommend improving it. These recommendations can also be a time to determine what grades you need to receive the grade you want. For example, together, you both can calculate what grade you need on the final exam to get an A in the course.

Discuss Grades

Always know what youre going for and what you want to receive out of office hours. Although the professor has allotted extra time for the course, during that time frame they have to be available to all the students who arrived that day, so by knowing your purpose for showing up, the meeting can be much more efficient.
Be sure to check the syllabus to confirm the location of office hours and that you are going on the correct day at the correct time. Sometimes office hours are by appointment only or virtual, make sure you know your professor's method.
Bring any materials you need with you like the textbook or notes. Also, take notes or even record with permission to make sure you do not forget anything the professor told you and that you have access to your assistance.

Kennae Hunter

Kennae Hunter is a freelance writer for SAGE Scholars, Inc. She recently graduated college one year ago with her bachelor’s degree in mass communications and is following her dreams of being a reporter. Hunter has a passion for writing and does so in her free time along with reading a variety of genres of books. She hopes to inform the community on all things about college to make their experience just as enjoyable as hers.

View all posts by Kennae Hunter