Office hours are designated times when professors are available to meet with students for questions, discussion, or academic support. Bellarmine communication major Cheyenne Grogean outlines how to make the most of these opportunities and why they鈥檙e an important part of your college experience.
If we鈥檙e being honest, most students see 鈥淥ffice Hours鈥� on a syllabus and skim right past it. It often feels like they鈥檙e exclusive to bombed tests and last-minute extension requests, but visiting office hours is a great way to get connected with your professors and deepen your learning.
Stopping by office hours is the best way to get one-on-one time with your professor. Whether it鈥檚 asking questions about a recent lecture, getting clarification on an assignment, or seeking advice on how to study for an upcoming exam, engaging with your professor allows you to maximize what you get from the class.
There鈥檚 also a personal side to office hours that often gets overlooked. Your professors are experts, mentors, and potential professional connections. Getting to know them has value outside of the classroom. Recommendation letters, research projects, and opportunities outside of Bellarmine often come from professors. Our Assistant Dean of Academic Services, Dominique Clayton, says, 鈥淧rofessors have a genuine interest in connecting with students,鈥� so don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out and learn more about their careers outside the classroom.
Now that you know why you should go, let's talk about how. Always respect your professor鈥檚 time. Check the syllabus for availability, set up a meeting if needed, and let them know you鈥檙e visiting beforehand. Clayton also emphasizes the importance of coming prepared; 鈥淗ave a plan. It doesn鈥檛 have to be a detailed plan, but have a plan,鈥� she says. That means understanding what you want to gain from the experience and coming to office hours with that in mind, like specifying your questions or bringing in the assignment you鈥檇 like to review.
Remember that the faculty at Bellarmine is here to support you, so don鈥檛 let those hours go to waste. To make the most of your college experience, take the initiative to grow academically and professionally, and visit office hours.