There are times in college when you will benefit from meeting with your professor during office hours, including when you:
- have questions about class content
- are confused about practice problems or readings
- want to review a paper or exam
Attending office hours, whether in person or online, can give you valuable time and help you better understand class content and your professor’s expectations, all of which can have a big impact on your academic success.
Build a professional and/or mentorship relationship
Office hours are your chance for individualized time with your professor. Click here for conversation starters for faculty during office hours when your goal is to build a working relationship.
Ask questions (about course material)
If you are confused about class material, ask your professor to explain it differently or walk through it slowly with you. Ask questions that you have about the text or what has been covered in class. Stuck on a problem set? This is a great time to ask questions to help you understand what you are missing.
Get study strategies
There are many strategies that can be used for any class, but your professor may be able to suggest specific strategies that work particularly well for their subject.
Ask questions (about syllabus, assignments, due dates)
After carefully reading the syllabus and any assignment prompts, confirm important dates and information with your professor if you are still uncertain. If you notice a conflict with one of the assignments, meet with them early to address the issue instead of waiting until right before it is due.
Review an exam or a paper
Sometimes you may not do as well as expected on papers and exams. Office hours is a good time to talk about what didn't go as planned, what went well, and how to improve on your next paper or exam.
Talk about grades
If you are unhappy with or have questions about your grade, office hours are the appropriate place to talk about it.
Work through practice problems
Working through practice problems during your professor's office hours is a great strategy. Even if you aren't working with them, sit near their office, so if you get stuck you can ask your professor to go step by step through the problem with you and ask your professor to show you where you are making errors.
Source: UNC Learning Center - Using Office Hours EffectivelyÂ
