What are Office Hours and Why Attend?

Don’t Skip Office Hours! Here’s Why (and How) to Attend

All professors and teaching assistants are required to host weekly office hours. Office hours are specific days and times your instructors set aside specifically to assist you with their course. They are a way for students to ask questions about the class, grades, and more. Whether you need an action plan to help bring your grade up or assistance understanding a concept covered in class, your instructor is there to help you!

Now where do office hours happen? In a traditional classroom setting, office hours are held usually in person on campus. As an online student, you can expect to meet with your instructor virtually over Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Setting Up Office Hour Appointments

1. Look at the syllabus–Review your syllabus and Canvas course to see if they have their office hours listed. If there’s a specific process for attending office hours, it should be listed there. Note that some professors may use an appointment scheduler, and others may only take office hour appointments by request.
2. Email your instructor– No matter the method of signing up for office hours, let your instructor know when you plan to attend their office hours and what you’re coming in for. (See tips for emailing your professors here). If you need a link to join the virtual meeting, email is the best way to request one!

Can’t meet them during the days/hours listed? Don’t worry! Tell your instructor why you aren’t available to meet during regular office hours and request an alternate meeting time or solution. Many online students work full-time and have family obligations, and instructors are willing to work with your schedule!

Take Action!

Before the appointment, come prepared with what you plan to discuss. Make a list of any questions you have. Doing so will help you make the most of your time.

After the appointment is over, be sure to follow up with any resources your instructor recommended. If your professor recommended seeing a specific tutor, set up an appointment. If you made a plan to bring up your grade, make sure you stick with it! Follow up with your instructor as needed, and be proud that you’ve taken steps to improve your education! If you aren’t taking advantage of office hours, we hope these tips help you reach out to instructors in the future.