Utilizing Office Hours for Assistance or Consultation
Office hours at Princeton University can be a valuable learning tool for students, providing opportunities to discuss course material in a more relaxed setting and gain new perspectives and ideas on the subjects discussed. Whether it's practicing problems with the professor in a class like MAT 103, or having one-on-one conversations about the subject matter in a course like SPIA's China's Foreign Relations, office hours offer a unique chance for students to engage directly with their professors.
To schedule office hours, the best approach is to check the relevant department's website for faculty office hours listings. If no direct scheduling info is posted, emailing the professor or their assistant to request a meeting is usually the next step. Some professors, such as Michael D. Gordin in the Department of History, may require you to contact an assistant or send an email to arrange a meeting.
It's important to note that procedures and systems vary by department and individual faculty member, and no single centralized online system for scheduling office hours at Princeton University was identified.
During office hours, professors may provide additional resources or readings to students, or even draw connections between the material covered in class and historical events or current news. In MOL 214, for example, preceptors may provide students with articles in response to questions asked during office hours.
Office hours can also help students learn more about the historical and present-day contexts of the subjects they study. This can be particularly useful in classes where a deeper understanding of the subject matter is essential.
If a Calendly link cannot be found, sending an email to the professor is an option. Tips on making the most out of virtual office hours can be found in the article "Why Zoom Office Hours Are Better (and tips for making the best use of them)".
Additionally, office hours can be a great opportunity for students to ask questions and get answers from professors. Most professors provide information on office hours in the class syllabus, and information on how to ask professors for letters of recommendation can be found in the article "Research on Campus: Not Just for Juniors and Seniors!".
Many professors are still holding virtual office hours this year, and some may use Wase (to be discontinued) for scheduling office hours appointments. If you're unsure about how to access office hours, don't hesitate to reach out to your professor or department for more information. Office hours can be a valuable resource for students, and taking advantage of them can help you to deepen your understanding of the subjects you're studying and form an intellectual and personal bond with your professors.
Engaging in office hours can significantly contribute to education-and-self-development, as it offers opportunities for personal-growth and learning. During these sessions, students can discuss course material, receive extra resources, and gain new perspectives, thereby promoting a more comprehensive understanding and fostering better relationships with professors.
