Decoding Success: A Guide to Maximizing Your Academic Journey Through Office Hours
Today, we're diving into a topic that can be a game-changer for your academic journey: making the most of those golden hours known as "office hours." Professors may seem like mysterious beings, but fear not – we're here to demystify the art of utilizing office hours to propel your success. Here are different reasons and ways to attend office hours:
CLARIFY AND ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR COURSE CONTENT
If there is anything you are confused about, office hours are the perfect time to have anything explained to you one-on-one, and have the professor themselves explain it to you.
GET DIFFERENT STUDY IDEAS
While there are general study tips that you can use to succeed in your classes, there are classes that you might take that require you to have very specific studying techniques. If you go to said professors' office hours, they will have tips on how to tailor your studying for their particular class.
ASK YOUR PROFESSOR OR TA ABOUT THE SYLLABUS, UPCOMING ASSIGNMENTS, AND DUE DATES
AFTER reading your syllabus and assignment prompts more than once, if you are still confused about instructions regarding either concept, office hours are the perfect time to ask your professor for clarification.
PREPARE FOR YOUR UPCOMING ASSIGNMENT
Homework assignments are usually assigned to help you as a student prepare and practice new and developing skills you are learning in class. If you have an upcoming paper or project, office hours are the perfect time to discuss your questions, ideas, or ask for your professor’s expectations.
REVIEW AND EXAM AND/OR PAPER YOU WROTE
If you do not do well on an test or exam, or if you wrote a paper and received a grade that was not up to par with your expectations, office hours are a great time to talk to your professor about what exactly you may have done wrong, what you could improve on, and also receive positive feedback on your work.
TALK ABOUT GRADES
As previously mentioned, in college there will be a time where you receive a grade that is not up to your standards; if you need to raise your overall grade, sign up for office hours with your professor to see if you need to make up work, or do extra credit work to get the grade you are hoping for.
BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT YOU SHOULD
Ask yourself what the purpose of your meeting actually is.
Check your syllabus.
Check to make sure if your appointment is in-person or held via Zoom.
Prepare your questions and agenda beforehand.
Bring your materials–notes, books, and laptop.
DURING THE APPOINTMENT YOU SHOULD
Arrive on time.
Be respectful.
Take notes.
Ask for clarification.
Be honest.
Ask about resources and supplemental readings (tedious, but it does help)
Discuss disagreements with a respectful tone.
Sum up your action plan at the end of the meeting.
Always thank the professor or TA for their time at the end of the meeting.
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT YOU SHOULD
Follow through with any commitments or plans you made to your professor or TA during your appointment/meeting.
Apply all of the tips and suggestions your professor or TA gave you.
Attend office hours again!
A Final Word of Encouragement
In the dynamic realm of STEM, success is not a solo journey. It's a collaborative effort where guidance from experienced hands can make all the difference. So take advantage of the opportunity that office hours present. Take charge of your academic destiny, engage in meaningful conversations! Your professors are there to guide you, but it's up to you to navigate the path.
Campus Resource
Campus Resources: If you are struggling with academic performance or anything related to academic success please reach out to our office of advising and career services (OACS). Their office is located at Sierra Vista Hall, RM 109 or send an email to them directly at oacs@lasierra.edu
