3 reasons to go to office hours this semester

Office hours are set time periods when professors make themselves available to answer questions about lecture material, clarify assignments and dive deeper into course content. Whether you have questions about a complex concept or just want to ensure you're on the right track, one-on-one time with a professor can be invaluable.

But you don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to make use of office hours. Keep scrolling for more reasons to stop in and start building a connection with your instructor.

Explore your academic interests

Office hours can give you the opportunity to explore topics that interest you beyond what's covered in class. These conversations can help you identify your passions and inform decisions about your major, minor or even potential research opportunities, said Adam Lee, vice provost for undergraduate studies.

“The people teaching these classes are subject matter experts,” Lee said. “It's an opportunity to learn more about the discipline. If you find the class interesting and you want recommendations on other things to study or help exploring the academic network here at the University, it's an opportunity to do that.”

Find resources

Throughout your college experience, you’ll face challenges within and beyond the classroom that may affect your grades and experience. Office hours also give students an outlet to communicate their struggles to a professor, who can help identify and direct students to additional University resources, according to Lee.

“There is an intersection. If you’re struggling in one part of your life, you're likely to be struggling in another part, right?” he said. “So, a difficult health or personal situation might translate to the classroom, and office hours are definitely a great spot to navigate that intersection and develop a plan for continued success in the classroom.”

Professors don’t have the answers to everything, but reaching out to them for help can be a great place to start, said Frayda Cohen, an assistant dean in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

“I always know a place where I can help them get additional assistance,” said Cohen, who is also director of undergraduate studies in the Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Program. “Whether that be study lab, the University Counseling Center, maybe talking with a peer counselor. It's not just what I can offer, but how I can help them connect to other parts of the University as they think about other personal or academic challenges.”

Connect and build your network

Chief among the benefits of office hours is the chance for students to deepen their relationships and build human connections with their professors. Such a relationship can lead to mentorship opportunities, and Cohen noted that a professor can provide guidance not only on research and academic matters but also career aspirations and personal development. 

“I think there are lots of practical ways a professor can offer mentorship, and that all begins with that first meeting,” Cohen said. “Office hours become a really great way for students to make that connection, especially if they're in a large class.”

Additionally, Cohen said, establishing a rapport with professors through office hours can also help expand a student's professional network. Professors often have extensive connections and can offer valuable introductions to industry professionals, recommend internships and provide references for job applications or further studies.

Before you go

Professors want to help you succeed, but it's up to you to take the first step. Follow these tips and more from the Office of Undergraduate Studies in the Provost.

• Start attending office hours early in the semester to build a relationship and open communication with your professor.
• Come with specific questions or topics you want to discuss. Ensure your question hasn’t already been answered in the syllabus or other course materials.
• Always introduce yourself, especially if you’re in a large class, and address your professor appropriately.
• Arrive on time and avoid canceling. If you must cancel, notify your professor well in advance.

— Donovan Harrell, photography by Alex Mowrey