What's the appropriate amount of time to 'put up with' a university assigned office with no cat-5 connection (there is wireless in the building but it doesn't help with desktop/servers) and an assigned desk that does not fit a standard (16:10) 22'' monitor because of an oversized hutch?
We are required to hold office hours in these settings and frankly I'd rather just work at home where I have at least a _reasonable_ setup. Any advice/stories on sub-par working conditions?
Talk to your chair or supervisor and see if you can have some flexibility in how office hours are conducted. It's reasonable to expect some time to be available on campus to meet with students, but it's also reasonable to expect a reliable Internet connection. You might be able, for example, to set aside one (1) hour a week for "electronic" office hours from home where you can chat, Skype, etc. with students. Or you could hold some office hours someplace else on campus or near campus (like the library, or a coffeehouse). But first think about what YOUR purpose for office hours are (as opposed to a one-size-fits-all mandate); then talk to your chair or supervisor and explain what steps you're taking to make sure you're accessible to a variety of students.
Send personal mail
