Preparing for an appointment or office hours
Whether you’re meeting with an advisor, an instructor, or a PCC staff member, being prepared helps you get the most out of your time. Use these tips to prepare for your next appointment at PCC.
Book an appointment or attend office hours.
Different faculty and staff have different ways they schedule appointments.
- Advisors: Book an appointment with your assigned advisor through your Navigate 360 account. For more information visit the academic advising webpage.
- Instructors: Check your class syllabus to determine whether your instructor holds weekly office hours or accepts visits by appointment. If you need to schedule an appointment, check out our tips on emailing instructors.
- Other PCC Staff: Check the department website to determine how they book appointments. Many department webpages are linked in the A-Z resource list.
Prepare for your appointment or office hours.
- Prepare Your Questions. Before your appointment or office hours, write down the specific questions you want to ask. To help guide your preparation, consider reviewing:
- Advising:
- Academic History and Graduation Plan. Check your course history and confirm your declared degree or major goals.
- Personal Schedule. Keep your work, family, or personal commitments handy so you can accurately assess your course load and avoid scheduling conflicts.
- Visit the academic advising webpage for more information.
- Instructor office hours:
- Review course materials. Look over the relevant readings, assignments, D2L Brightspace modules, and lecture notes.
- Identify where you’re getting stuck. Create questions or bring examples of where you are stuck and need help from the instructor. Coming prepared ensures you make the most of your instructor’s time.
- Other appointments:
- Review relevant information. Review webpages of the departments you’re meeting with, review materials you’re bringing to the appointment.
- Prepare questions. Identify the specific questions you have.
- Advising:
- Prepare for a Virtual Appointment (Zoom):
- Set up early. Download and install Zoom on your device well before your meeting.
- Get support. Refer to the Zoom guide for instructions, or reach out to the PCC Digital Navigators if you need technical assistance.
- Prepare for an In-Person Appointment:
- Plan your route. Look up the office location in advance.
- Plan your time. Account for transit, parking, and walking to ensure you arrive on time
Attend your appointment or office hours.
On the day of your appointment, complete these final checks:
For Virtual Appointments (Zoom):
- Check your device. Ensure your device is fully charged and Zoom is updated and functioning properly.
- Use a computer if possible. Laptops and desktops make screen sharing and reviewing materials much easier than mobile devices.
For In-Person Appointments:
- Confirm time and location. Double-check the exact meeting time and office room number.
- Set an alarm or reminder. Give yourself enough buffer time to navigate and arrive without rushing.
Need more support?
Online learning success coaches offer personalized support to help you clarify and achieve your goals, reflect on your habits, and overcome challenges.