You might wish to record lectures on tape, especially if you are having trouble following spoken English in your first weeks of school. If you do not feel confident about giving your opinion in class, be ready to answer basic questions about the material. You can also ask questions of the instructor after class or during office hours. Professors are required to keep regular office hours and will usually announce them during the first or second class period. Office hours and appointments are intended specifically to provide student-professor contact.
Some instructors prefer to make individual appointments with students.
It is recommended that you visit your instructor only during his or her office hours unless you make an appointment for another time. Also, professors will often hand out an outline of the course, known as a syllabus. This guide is designed to help you understand the goals and format of the course. If you have any questions about the syllabus, ask the instructor. In so-called independent studies or guided research courses , you may study a topic under the direction of a professor but without any classroom instruction.