Katelyn Wilburn, Campus Carrier opinions editor

This academic year, Berry lowered minimum office hour requirement for professors from ten hours to six. While this decision may lighten professors’ already heavy workloads, its effect on students should also be acknowledged. Office hours are extremely beneficial for students. They allow for one-on-one clarification, deeper discussions on class topics and personalized feedback on assignments. Online materials such as recorded lectures simply cannot replicate the personal connections made, the timeliness of the interactions and the overall support given to students in office hours. 

Attending office hours gives students a chance to ask questions one-on-one, receive personalized feedback on assignments and have accountability for the course schedule. Regularly speaking with a professor provides a significant amount of academic support. Office hours are a more secluded, comfortable environment for students to ask questions they might hesitate to in a larger class setting. Professors can identify specific areas that are confusing and offer detailed explanations that can’t usually be given in the small amount of class time we get. Office hours are an extension of class time, assisting in overall academic performance. 

Office hours also help students build impactful relationships with their professors. Regular interaction with a professor can create a sense of familiarity and helps students feel more comfortable when engaging in the classroom setting. Relationships like these often become ones of mentorship, where professors can give advice on academic plans, internships and research or even future career plans. Strong connections like this can result in more detailed letters of recommendation, which is very beneficial for students entering the workforce. 

Professors are also the primary provider of course materials. They can point students in the direction of study guides, practice problems and additional readings that aren’t discussed during lectures or are difficult to find in learning platforms. Access to faculty helps students understand what to focus on and how to prepare for assignments and exams. Students are more likely to be aware of all supports, such as tutoring or supplemental materials. 

The main argument against office hours is that students don’t use them. Sure, there are lecture recordings, emails and online resources that they might use instead, but these materials don’t encourage active engagement in the classroom. Students also have conflicting schedules due to work, extracurriculars and personal responsibilities that make it difficult to attend. This isn’t a reason for us to take away office hours though; it is a reason to make sure we have enough office hours. 

If there are more office hours, there is a better chance students will find a time they can attend. This will take away the worry about scheduling. Just knowing that a professor is there for them is a support that helps students feel comfortable reaching out for help. Additionally, relying solely on recorded lectures and online materials limits deeper engagement with course topics. While it is additional work to keep more office hours, it is worth it because it helps students succeed and Berry is a student-centered college.