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| SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENT LIFE :: Office Hours |
Prof welcomes students to officeYou'd think that with an introductory animal science class of more than 400 students, Professor Tom Famula would be swamped with students waiting to talk with him during office hours. Unfortunately, Famula said, that's not the case; he wishes it were. In his 27 years of teaching at UC Davis, he said, it is disappointing how few students actually use this valuable opportunity to talk one on one with their professors. "Office hours aren't just for students experiencing academic difficulties," said Famula, professor of animal science and chair of the undergraduate council of the Academic Senate. "Students can stop by simply to introduce themselves, talk about career goals or ask about the best place to get a cup of coffee—it doesn't matter, as long as they come in." Help along the career pathStudents may feel either intimidated or that they don't need the help. But Famula said students who use office hours can find out about internships and other research opportunities within their field of interes—things that can be instrumental in setting them on the right career path. In animal science, most of the students Famula sees want to be veterinarians. But that's not going to work out for everyone, he said. It's helpful for them to have other perspectives about what they can do with their particular degree. Office hours are also a great way to develop professional relationships with professors. When the time comes to apply to graduate or professional schools, students will have someone who knows them well enough to write a strong letter of recommendation. 'Part of my job'Because he teaches large freshman classes, Famula is invited to give talks in the residence halls about the importance of taking advantage of office hours. He will present one later this month. One of his biggest messages is: "Come in and see us; if you don't like us, you don't have to go again." Famula also conducts a parent session during summer orientation, and he speaks not only from a professor's experience, but also as a dad who has seen two daughters through UC Davis and has another in her senior year here, too. "Office hours is part of my job...so use them," Famula said. Originally published on, Aggie Family Pack |