The format of office hours may be different this year, but they are still there to help students.
Video chats can be an alternate format to traditionally in-person office hours. (Photo courtesy of Anna Shvets/Pexels)
Most professors and Teaching Assistants (TAs) have set office hours every week and, if they don’t, they are happy to book appointments with you. Office hours are specific times that your professor and/or TA have set aside to offer assistance and to engage with you, but sometimes this time goes unused. Some professors are rebranding office hours to be called ‘student hours,’ to help students understand that this time is for them.
Many people choose to send an email instead of going to office hours. While this may be more convenient for you, an email does not allow for the same connection. When having an in-person discussion, more questions may come up that you can get answered on the spot. There is less confusion around what you are asking because you can clarify instantly. In-person conversations tend to elicit more detail then ones that happen over email. Generally, you are going to get more out of having a conversation than having an email exchange.
Due to COVID-19, office hours this fall are going to look a little bit different than they have in previous years; they will likely not happen in-person, but instead take place online. This should not stop you from taking advantage of them. Professors will have times that they have dedicated to being available to chat with you, and others will set up a time that works for both of you. Depending on the professor, these meetings may take place online (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex) or via phone. Either way, it is likely to be based on appointment, and not a drop-in time. Don’t let this discourage you from reaching out!
You do not need to have a specific question to attend office hours. You can just pop in to chat. Often, researchers (which most of your professors and TAs are) are happy to discuss their projects and work. You are not interrupting; professors set aside this time for you.
While every professor has different rules on how much they or their TA will engage in feedback on your work, speaking with them during office hours can help to guide you as you complete the work you are being graded on. Feedback on how you are doing is invaluable and assists you in getting the best grade possible.
Better grades also come from a better understanding of the material. Making use of office hours can make the material clearer. Sometimes all that is needed is to have something explained differently for it to click.
Engaging with your professor or TA is a great way to make connections, which may help you later in your school or career life. Making connections can help you get a reference, a recommendation, a job, into a course… the opportunities they create are endless. Attending office hours is a great way to engage. It also allows the professor or TA to become familiar with you, making you more than just a number.
A version of this article appeared in print in The Ontarion issue 189.1 on Aug. 27, 2020.
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