Aren't professors supposed to use their office hours to help students?

Question

I love my prof, but when I go to his office hours for help, he says he wants to use the time to relax. x.x I am really struggling in class and I counted on his office hours for him to help me. Finals start next week, I am so beyond worried! Just wondering, do teachers have to use office hours to help students or is it for whatever they choose? It's not like I was always going there, I just needed his help for an hour every Tuesday.

Answer 1

Yes, of course. Office hours are for purposes of being available for students. However, an hour a week is too much to ask. Think about it. Let's say he has two hours per week per class. How many people are in his class? 30? 100?



If you need an hour of his time once during the semester, he should be able to manage it. If you want to spend 5 minutes with him most weeks, that should be okay too. If you need an hour a week outside of class, you need to hire a tutor.

Answer 2

Professors are indeed supposed to help you during office hours. However, if you never showed up to office hours and are barely waiting to seek help right before finals then he has no sympathy for you. A professor is not willing to repeat a semester worth of lectures for a single student. An hour of his time EVERY Tuesday is too much to ask. It would be a good idea to come to his office hours prepared with a FEW burning questions. Wait about 10mins after he opens the office to approach him. Give him time to settle in and relax for a little. If you approach him after he's had time to sip his coffee, then he'll be more responsive to you.



Remember, holding office hours is a choice and you are not entitled to his time. Keep the visit short and to the point because there are probably other students who need help. And always be respectful and thank him for his time when you leave. When you come with questions it shows you actually care about his work. Professors like when their students actually show interest in what they do. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Office hours are for student help. If that prof said that to you, perhaps his dean should be made aware.

Answer 4

Lazy SOB! He's being paid to help students during office hours. That's part of his job. Complain (politely) to the department chairman.