Photo courtesy BYU-Idaho
On their schedules online and outside their door, teachers have allotted times for office hours. Teachers encourage students to come visit them or contact them during their office hours.

Teachers offer their time outside of class

Lindsay Law LAW05002@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Professors at BYU-Idaho post their office hours on Web sites, office doors and syllabi to tell students each semester when they are available for any questions and concerns.

Many BYU-Idaho students take advantage of this opportunity.

In a recent poll of 100 students, 75 percent said they visit their professors during the posted hours, while 25 percent had never visited a professor.

John Briggs, a sophomore from Jackson Hole, Wyo., is a frequent visitor to his professors’ offices.

“I just want answers to questions and homework,” Briggs said.

Some students find it easier to e-mail teachers based on time constraints.

“I would prefer to visit, but it’s hard to correlate schedules,” said Lorinda Smith, a sophomore from Rexburg.

Professors at BYU-Idaho answer students’ questions and lend support through e-mail also.

In a recent e-mail survey of 75 teachers about their availability during office hours, 76 percent responded that they are available to students often and welcome them to visit.

Shane Goodwin, a professor in the Mathematics Department, persuaded his students to spend time in his office. He assigned his students homework to bring one question and tell him something unique about themselves.

“It was really nice to be able to say virtually everyone came by … and the intimidation factor was minimized,” Goodwin said.

Goodwin encouraged students to take advantage of office hours if it would be helpful to them.

“I remember being an undergraduate student at another university and I bet I could count on one hand the number of professors I ever visited at their offices,” Goodwin said. “I think we are much more open here, although I’m sure we can always improve.”