Reimagining Office Hours

Office hours are a valuable opportunity for instructors to connect with students, fostering a sense of community, building a relationship-rich educational experience, and providing support for student success. Yet, many instructors struggle with low attendance and limited student engagement with office hours. This workshop draws from insights found in Relationship-Rich Education by Felten and Lambert to explore innovative strategies for improving office hour interactions.Participants will be introduced to a range of effective practices used by instructors across various disciplines to encourage student participation and build stronger relationships outside the classroom. Presenters will review deliberate choices regarding office hour locations, such as holding sessions in student-frequented spaces or creating a more welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of instructor availability, how to introduce office hours at the beginning of a semester, the benefits of renaming or rebranding office hours, and the value of including course assignments that require instructor-student connection.By the end of the session, attendees will gain practical insights and actionable ideas to enhance their own office hour practices. Join us to explore how courage in teaching can build community and transform traditional office hours into meaningful interactions that benefit both students and educators.