2.7: Nobody "Does College" Alone
- Page ID
- 424299
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College is a unique place with opportunities and support systems built in at almost every turn. Most of these are not at extra cost to students and can become significant support to those who use them. Take advantage of the resources & supports your college offers, as these can make a big difference in your stress level and success. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to do so! The section below includes several key resources.
Your Professors
Your professors don’t just teach your courses—they are also available to communicate and meet with you to help you outside of class. At Butler, your professors want you to ask for help when you need it and to not be afraid to do so! This might mean stopping by your professor’s office or emailing to ask a question. But how do you know the best ways to reach and approach your professors? The information below will help you with this.
Professors’ Office Hours
Full-time professors list their office numbers and office hours in their “Simple Syllabus” in Canvas. Office hours may be also listed by other names such as “professional hours” or “student consultation hours.” These are hours in professors’ schedules set aside for helping their students outside of the classroom. Professors often wish more students would take advantage of these hours!
But how do you handle approaching your professors during their office hours? It is okay to stop by their offices during these published times. If for some reason you miss them, be sure to leave them a note or send a quick email to say you stopped by, so they can get back to you!
You can ask your professors (after class or by email) to make appointments with you, either in person or by video conference. Don’t hesitate to do this!
If you don’t see any office hours or other specific communication information listed in the syllabus, your professor may be part-time (adjunct) and not required to hold weekly office hours. However, these professors also want to communicate with and help you, so be sure to ask them after class or by email when and how they are available.
Mentors
As you proceed in college, be on the lookout for individuals who would be good mentors for you, to help you grow academically, professionally, and even personally. A mentor is simply someone who has successfully navigated steps toward a goal that you now find yourself pursuing. Mentors aren’t perfect people, but they are willing to share their experience and to listen to and guide you as you make decisions and grow. Mentors can be found in likely and unlikely places! Consider professors, tutors, coaches, directors, managers, college staff members, and even peers with expertise in certain areas as possible mentors. Spending time with a mentor can be as formal or informal as you both see fit. The bottom line is that many successful and even famous people have benefitted from having mentors, often several over the course of a lifetime.