You’ve likely heard it from advisors, peers, and professors alike: “Go to office hours.”

Every week, American University faculty set aside dedicated time to meet with students outside the classroom. Yet the prospect of sitting down one-on-one with an instructor—wondering what to say or fearing you will look unprepared—can feel daunting, even though it's also an essential academic resource. 

“Office hours are how we form community,” said College of Arts and Sciences physics professor Nate Harshman, AU’s 2026 Scholar/Teacher of the Year. “This is how I mentor you, [and] this is how you help me understand. . . who you are. The best education is relational, personal, and individualized.”

Five Ways to Make Office Hours Work for You:

• Introduce yourself early: The first few weeks of class offer a low-stakes opportunity to establish rapport before schedules get hectic. An early introduction lays the groundwork for future advice or recommendation letters. “Maybe you don’t need it for the coursework, but you need it for a recommendation,” Harshman said. “[Or] maybe it turns out you’re both really into biking.” 

• Get targeted coursework help: Seeking clarification demonstrates engagement, not deficiency. “Good students go to office hours,” said Harshman, who is entering his 24th year teaching at AU. “Some students still think talking to the teacher means admitting weakness. I’m always trying to erase that prejudice.” 

• Tap into faculty networks: Personalized attention from faculty with extensive national and international connections is a hallmark of an AU education, Harshman said. Come prepared to discuss your academic interests and career goals and ask professors about their own research and professional paths. 
• Maximize your study time: Working through tricky concepts or drafting papers during office hours can save hours of frustration. Drop by with a specific problem set or outline; getting immediate feedback is far more efficient than “wandering around the internet” for answers, Harshman said.
• Find a mentor: Meaningful academic connections often start with simple conversations. Whether you are considering graduate school, looking for research opportunities, or navigating campus life, regular check-ins transform an instructor into a lifelong advocate.

Questions about office hours? Check your course syllabus for times and locations or reach out directly to your professor by email to schedule an appointment.