How To Use Office Hours

Office hours are times when you can meet with your professors and teaching assistants to discuss materials being presened in class or other related interests you have. Research shows that attending office hours increases a student's GPA and increases academic success, especially in the first year.

Each course will typically have specific office hours set aside for student questions. However, if the time provided by the course instructor conflicts with your schedule, you can also request an alternative time to meet with your instructor or teaching assistant. Below are some suggestions for how to manage office hours.

Introduction:

Introduce yourself and provide a general overview of the course you are there to discuss (your professor may teach multiple courses), which assignment/reading/problem you would like help with, and the specific part of the assignment/reading/program you don't understand. This will assist your professor with understanding where you need help. Providing a generic "I don't understand the assignment" is often difficult for your professor to navigate. Help them understand your specific questions. If you really aren't sure where to even begin, say that as well, this will help them know how to best help you and make the most out of your time with them.

A sample introduction script¹ is provided below. Replace the italicized, underlined words with details for your particular class and situation.

Hi Professor Smith:
My name is Sally and I am in your ENGE 1215 class that meets on Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 12:05 PM. Thank you for this time. I understand that we have 15 minutes, correct? I have a few questions about the arduino assignment. I read through the project description and made it to step 4, but was not sure how to proceed with step 5.

Once you have provided a general overview of the course, the specific assignment or reading, and which part you would like assistance with, ask specific questions that will

Follow-Up Questions

Depending on how your professor answers your initial question, you may need to follow up with additional questions. Some examples are provided below.

If the immediate explanation is clear, follow up with, "Thanks, that's helpful." then move on to the next question with, "My next question is ...".
If the immediate explanation is not clear, follow up with another question such as, "What does that mean?" or "Can you help me understand the main point?"
If the second attempt explanation is not clear, try, "Can you say that differently" or "Can you give me an example?"
If alternative explanations are better but not decidedly clear, ask "Is there a page in the textbook or reading (or point in the video, YouTube, lecture, notes, etc.) that I can reference for further information?"

Ending Your Meeting

Once finished with office hours, thank the professor and remind them of your name. If you feel you need extra course support outside of office hours, consider attending the help sessions offered.

¹ Adapted from "Higher Ed Libs" from The Ohio State University Center for Higher Education Enterprise