Re-envisioning Office Hours to Increase Participation and Engagement

Traditional office hours are designed to support student learning, yet many students perceive them as intimidating, remedial, or unhelpful, leading to low attendance. Another concern, particularly in institutions such as ours with many commuter students, is that students feel isolated and struggle to connect with their classmates. To address both of these concerns, we implemented Happy Hours: a rebranded and redesigned version of office hours aimed at increasing participation and fostering a more welcoming learning environment.

Tested in large-enrollment anatomy courses at Florida International University, where class sizes often exceed 200 students, Happy Hours moved office hours from faculty offices to lab spaces, creating a more comfortable and collaborative setting. A focus group study with 36 students across four semesters revealed that renaming office hours sparked curiosity, encouraging students to attend. The informal atmosphere reduced intimidation, strengthened peer connections, and fostered a greater sense of belonging. Students frequently described these sessions as an extension of class rather than a formal meeting, making them more inclined to participate. Additionally, students emphasized that discussing concepts with peers reinforced their own understanding, strengthening the role of collaborative learning in academic success.

Our findings suggest that small yet intentional shifts in academic structures can meaningfully enhance student engagement, retention, and learning outcomes. This presentation will outline the development and impact of Happy Hours, share student insights, and provide practical strategies for institutions seeking to create more inclusive and effective learning experiences.