A Guide to Office Hours: Why (and How) to Talk to Your Professors
Between work deadlines, family responsibilities and everything else on your calendar, finding time for college is already a balancing act. So, when you finally have a few hours to dedicate to course work, scheduling an additional meeting with your professor might not be at the top of your list.
But office hours are one of the most valuable resources available to students, and they're worth making time for. Whether you're returning to school after several years, finishing your undergraduate degree or pursuing a graduate credential, connecting with your professors can help you get more out of your education.
Here's what office hours are, why they matter and how to make the most of them.
What Are Office Hours?
Office hours are designated times when professors make themselves available to students outside of regular class meetings. Think of them as an opportunity for one-on-one conversations about course material, assignments, academic interests or professional goals.
Despite the name, office hours don't necessarily require an in-person visit. Depending on the professor and course format, meetings may take place in an office, over video chat or by phone. Some professors offer scheduled appointments, while others welcome students to drop in during designated times.
And here's something important to remember: Office hours aren't just for students who are struggling. They're an opportunity to ask questions, explore ideas and develop a relationship with someone who has expertise in your field.
Why Adult Students Should Take Advantage of Office Hours
If you're juggling college alongside a career, family or other commitments, you want your educational experience to be as valuable as possible. Building relationships with your professors can help you get more from the time and effort you're investing.
Here are a few reasons to make office hours part of your academic routine.
1. Get personalized feedback and academic support.
A lecture, discussion or online lesson can introduce you to new concepts, but sometimes you need a little more explanation to put everything together. Office hours give you the opportunity to ask follow-up questions, work through challenging material and get feedback on assignments before submitting them.
If you're balancing course work with a full-time job, addressing a misunderstanding early can save you considerable time and frustration later.
2. Connect your education to your professional experience.
As an adult student, you bring something unique to the classroom: experience. You've likely encountered workplace challenges, managed projects, worked with diverse teams or developed expertise in a particular field.
Office hours give you a chance to connect those experiences with what you're learning. For example, a business student might ask a professor how a leadership theory applies to a situation they've encountered at work. A counseling student might discuss how a concept from class relates to their professional experience.
These conversations can make academic material more meaningful while giving professors a better understanding of the perspective you bring to your studies.
3. Build relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
Your professors can become valuable professional connections, mentors and sources of advice. Getting to know them can also make it easier to ask for letters of recommendation, explore research opportunities or seek guidance when considering your next career move.
You might even discover that you have more in common with a professor than you initially expected. Some faculty members may be close to your age or have professional backgrounds similar to yours. Rather than approaching every interaction as a formal student-teacher exchange, you may find opportunities for genuine intellectual and professional rapport.
4. Explore ideas and opportunities.
You don't need a specific problem to justify a visit. Interested in a professor's research? Considering a career change? Wondering how to apply something you're learning to a professional project? These are all worthwhile reasons to start a conversation.
Furthering your education can be expensive, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment. Utilizing all the resources available to you — including your professor’s knowledge and network — is part of a well-rounded educational experience.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit
If you've never attended office hours, the idea of showing up and starting a conversation can feel a little awkward. Fortunately, you don't need an elaborate plan. A few simple steps can help you feel more comfortable and make the meeting productive.
| Before your visit | What to do |
|---|---|
| Check the schedule | Look at your syllabus or course platform for office hours, appointment requirements and meeting formats. |
| Identify your purpose | Think about what you'd like to discuss, whether it's a confusing concept, an assignment or a professional interest. |
| Prepare a few questions | Write down specific questions or topics so you don't have to think of everything on the spot. |
| Bring relevant materials | Have your assignment, notes, readings or other materials handy if they're relevant to your discussion. |
“Our faculty care very deeply about your learning and your success and put a priority on being available and interacting with students in our classes.”
- Jeff Hemmes, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Computer Science
What Should You Talk About?
Not sure what to say once you get there? Here are some conversation starters to help you get going.
- Course material: "I understand the main concept, but I'm having trouble seeing how it applies in practice. Could you walk me through an example?"
- Assignments: "I'm working on my upcoming paper and would appreciate some feedback on the direction I'm considering."
- Professional experience: "I've encountered something similar in my current job. How does what we're learning relate to that situation?"
- Career development: "I'm interested in exploring opportunities in this field. Are there particular skills or experiences you would recommend developing?"
- Further exploration: "I found this week's topic especially interesting. Are there any books, articles or other resources you'd recommend?"
You don't need to have perfectly formulated questions, either. If you're unsure where to start, simply explain what you've been working on and where you're getting stuck. Your professor can help guide the conversation.
“We meet you where you are at and equip you with the preparation and academic skills you will need to be successful in your classes.”
– Erica Ferg, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Religious Studies
Make Office Hours a Habit, Not a Last Resort
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until they're overwhelmed to reach out. By then, a confusing assignment may have turned into a missed deadline, or a small misunderstanding may have affected several weeks of course work.
Instead, consider introducing yourself early in the semester. Even a brief conversation can establish a connection that makes future visits feel more natural. Check in periodically when you have questions, receive feedback on an assignment or want to discuss something that interests you.
Remember to follow up when appropriate. If your professor recommends a resource, sends you an article or offers advice, take the time to thank them and let them know how it helped.
At Regis University, that spirit of learning is central to the educational experience. Our dedicated faculty are here to exchange ideas, challenge your assumptions and help you gain a deeper understanding of complex topics.