At the beginning of each semester, your new professors will hand out syllabi and point to Blackboard login information, big exam dates, class goals, and policies regarding tardies, absences and even eating in class. They’ll also point to their office hours, and most professors really mean for their students to come visit. They’ll welcome you to talk about any problems you’re having in class, your ideas and response to the field in general, any other life questions or feelings you have about college, finding a job, and living on your own. While a few of your professors may wish to be left alone — or to spend time with students they’ve gotten to know after several classes teaching them — you’ll find that at large schools, small colleges, and even online universities, your teachers were hired not just because of their reputations, publications or ability to lead a classroom, but for their desire to mentor students. Feel free to drop by during office hours just to say hello or to ask for advice on improving your grade in the class. Remember, however, that professors aren’t your parents, and they do have work to do on their own. You need to respect their time and come prepared for each meeting.
Make sure you’ve been paying attention in class, because you’ll look completely unprepared, disrespectful, and totally dense if you can’t answer basic questions about the subject matter or class work. Skim over some of the supplemental material to show that you’ve made an effort on your own to understand the notes, and to enrich your overall discussion with your professors. You won’t get anything out of the meeting — and you’ll probably be asked to leave until you’ve done the readings — if you expect your professor to give you a private lecture just because you were too lazy to pay attention before.
Even if you decide to drop in on your professor to say hi and get a little face time, have a specific goal in mind before knocking on the door. Having a simple strategy will help you come up with things to say and questions to ask, and to avoid awkward pauses. Bring with you the materials and documents you need, like a letter to be signed, a textbook you’re referencing, or your notebook.
Another way to prepare yourself for a meeting with a professor so that you can get more out of the individual face time is to ask around about the professor by talking to other students in your class or who you know took a class from that professor before. Find out what his or her meeting style is, how personable they are, and whether they’re the type who prefers random drop-ins or scheduled meetings. You’ll have a better idea of how to plan and prep for your meeting this way, and will be more likely to impress your professor right away.