Making the Most Out of Your Professor’s Office Hours

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Making the Most Out of Your Professor’s Office Hours*

From A Guide to Student Success: Part 8

One of the first things students should do at the beginning of the term is to attend their professors’ office hours (whether in person or virtually). For many students, the idea of attending office hours can be a scary prospect, but that one-on-one time with the professor is priceless. Specifically, you can ask questions you might not want to ask in class. Additionally, it is a chance for you to find out how nice and caring your professors really are! To make the most of the time with your professors, do the following:

• Read the syllabus before you go and think about any questions you have.
• Write down your questions before you go. This will help you use the time effectively.
• Do not be late.
• Discuss “best practices” with your professor. This means, ask what your professor believes are the best study methods for the class and how long it might take to properly prepare for exams.
• Inquire about any additional resources. It never hurts to ask.
• If you have questions about a grade, now is the time to ask for clarity.
• Take notes during your meeting because you might be covering a lot of ground and you do not want to rely on your memory.
• If you are unsure about what the professor suggested or said, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. Professors appreciate it when you are honest about not understanding an explanation. They would rather clarify during this one-on-one time rather than you leave confused.
• Lastly, thank your professors for their time. That’s the best way to leave your appointment.

Next - Part 9: Summary of Helpful Tips

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