On the first day of class, or shortly there afterwards, your instructors will hand out the syllabus for their class. In addition to outlining assignments, class schedule for the semester, course requirements and objectives, the syllabus will also contain information on how to contact the instructor if you need to get a hold of them. Office room number, phone number and office hours should be included.  One of the most important things you can do during college is to utilize your instructors' office hours.

Whenever you have question about making up missed work, topics that just flew over your head during lecture, or for almost any reason at all, you should try to catch your instructor during their office hours to help you get back on track. Most instructors try to hold their office hours either before or after their classes. Although these times might not always fit with your schedule, quick questions can be answered in the few minutes after class while your classmates are desperately trying to escape from the classroom, or you can stop by their office as some instructors are in their office outside of their office hours. Another approach to meeting with your instructor is to schedule an appointment. If the instructor's office hours conflict with your other classes and activities, they are usually more than happy to schedule a different time to meet with you.  

After you've finally managed to find the time in your busy schedule to talk to your instructor, it is always helpful to go into the meeting prepared. Bring your textbook, notes, handouts and what ever else is necessary in helping get your problem solved. Knowing what you don't know is always a great place to start if you have questions. You don't want to listen to a repeat of lecture so ask specific questions about parts of the lecture you didn't understand. Make sure that before you leave that you actually understand the questions that you when in to get answered, otherwise you have just waste your time and your instructors.  

Finally, when you leave, it never hurts to thank the instructor for taking the time to helping you. The more you visit your instructors and treat them with respect the further you will get in the class. Having instructors know your name and know that you have put an effort into learning the material will help give you that extra edge when it comes to end of the semester grades. Always a bonus!! Remember.. Instructors are required by the university to have office hours for the students' benefit, so make sure you make the most of them.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 11/01/06