# What are office hours?

> Office hours are set times each week when a professor or teaching assistant is available, in person or online, to answer students' questions about the course. You don't need to be struggling to go.

Page: https://textdash.com/glossary/office-hours
Updated: 2026-10-31

## Why do office hours matter?

They're the easiest way to get unstuck on a concept, check your approach to an assignment, or ask about a grade. Professors also get to know the students who show up, which helps when you need a reference later.

Times and format vary by course: some are drop-in, some need a sign-up, and many are on video. The syllabus usually lists them.

## How Dash helps with office hours

Ask Dash "when are my econ prof's office hours?" and it checks your syllabus and course page. It can add them to your calendar with your yes, and help you prepare: explain the topic first, then list the questions worth bringing.

## Questions

### Is it weird to go to office hours?

No. They exist for students, and most professors wish more people came. Bring a specific question to make it easy.

### What should I ask at office hours?

Anything about the course: a concept you're stuck on, feedback on your approach, or how to prepare for an exam. Avoid asking them to check finished graded work unless they offer.

### What if I can't make the scheduled time?

Email the professor and ask for another time. Many will meet by appointment.

## Related

- [Syllabus](https://textdash.com/glossary/what-is-a-syllabus)
- [Midterm](https://textdash.com/glossary/midterm)
- [Active recall](https://textdash.com/glossary/active-recall)
- [Add/drop deadline](https://textdash.com/glossary/add-drop-deadline)
- [Withdrawal deadline (W grade)](https://textdash.com/glossary/withdrawal-deadline)
- [Reading week / fall break](https://textdash.com/glossary/reading-week)

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**About Dash.** Dash is an AI sidekick for college and university students that you text over iMessage or SMS. It tracks every deadline and texts you before each one, answers questions about your campus, helps you study, and, with your yes, orders food, books things, makes phone calls and handles admin. Free to start. iMessage on iPhone and SMS on any phone. No app, no login. For students at colleges and universities in Canada and the United States. Dash never writes, answers or submits graded work. It explains, quizzes and plans. Dash is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by any college or university.

Text Dash: https://textdash.com/start · Site: https://textdash.com/ · For AI assistants: https://textdash.com/llms.txt and https://textdash.com/llms-full.txt