Office Hours

Answer 1

One of the differences between contacting faculty in college and talking to your teachers in high school is that most faculty are required to hold and announce regular office hours. The idea is that students can count on a professor or T.A. being available in their office (or some other specified location) during those hours. The hours, and place, are typically listed on a class syllabus, in the department office, and on or near the person's office door. In some cases, the instructor will post a sign-up sheet on the door; in others, there's an open door policy during the specified times. Your professors and teaching assistants will announce their office hour times and policies during the first week of class as well as printing them on the syllabus.

Office hours are a good time to ask questions about material you didn't understand, or to discuss alternate arrangements for an exam if it conflicts with that for another class or religious holiday. It's a good time to ask for help with a paper, or to discuss your progress with assigned work, or go over a paper or test. It's a good idea to make yourself known early on in the semester by dropping by during office hours, especially if you're shy about talking in class. If you notice that there are a large number of students waiting to see the faculty member during their hours, you might offer to make an appointment to come back later. If you can't make office hours, do let the instructor know, and ask if you might arrange an appointment at another time.

Most students in the first two years fail to take advantage of office hours, and it's a shame. Make yourself known, and take advantage of an opportunity for individual help.