Office Hours Matter

[originally published on History Survey on 5/29/2007]

Professors hold office hours so that students can come talk to them when they have questions or concerns, and most professors like it when students make use of this opportunity. If you are a junior or senior, you probably already know this, but if you're a freshman or sophomore, this might be new to you. I myself did not make use of this resource as an undergraduate until my junior year. I wish I had done so earlier! Some of my visits cleared up important problems.

CAVEATS: [1] Do not expect your professor to go over material for classes you missed, unless there are genuinely extenuating circumstances. In other cases, you should contact a classmate for notes and handouts. [2] Make sure you have reviewed the syllabus and assignment before you talk to your professor. [3] Do not expect your professor to give you all the answers. Instead, expect your professor to help you to find answers through your own hard work.

Update (4/15/2008): At George Mason University I sometimes hold office hours by appointment only, because office space is so limited and I am not on campus every day. The above advice still holds true. When you have an issue that cannot be discussed in class, contact me so we can talk.