[stevoski]

I went to University in Australia and I don’t recall this term being in use. (Could be my faulty memory, though. It was a long time ago!)

I’m still a little puzzled by exactly what is meant when people and orgs offer an “office hours” concept.

I’d love a clear but concise definition that’s not simply “like office hours in university”.

[chrismorgan]

I’ve come across it in various largely-Americentric writing and figured out the concept, but yeah, it’s not something I’ve seen practised in Australia.

It means “I will always be available in my office during such-and-such hours every week, for anyone to come and talk to.” I think it’s normally a walk-in affair rather than involving making appointments. First come, first serve, but now you don’t have to go through the bother of making appointments and such and comparing your timetables. Makes life easier for both parties. This article is talking of making appointments, but most of the benefits still remain of having a known block of availability.

[chalst]

It's common in Germany, called "Sprechstunde" ("speaking hours").

[jq-r]

"Consultation hours" in some EU countries.

[simonw]

That's a better name for it than "office hours" I think!

[pbowyer]

I went to university in the UK 20 years ago.

A few of our lecturers had "office hours". It was a new phrase, and invariably they were younger and had worked in US universities. We could drop in between 3 and 5 one day a week to ask questions.

We thought them snooty.

The other faculty staff had an open door policy.

Now I'm their age, I appreciate how sticking to office hours helped these researchers to be productive. But as a student, open door flet more friendly.

[c17r]

In my experience, US professors generally were open door as well but it was about catching them being in their office. They could be lecturing, faculty meeting, lunch, etc, etc, etc.

Office Hours is a way of saying I will DEFINITELY be in my office at my desk during this block of time.