ELI Fall 2024 Workshop Series: English for Academic Purposes

Many students are not aware that interacting with professors outside of class can be a key to academic success. Office hours are helpful if you have questions about course content or homework. They provide an opportunity for you to connect with your professor, and to understand their expectations for the course. They also help you learn about U.S. academic culture. This workshop will provide information about what to expect during office hours, and tips for communicating effectively with your professor. Please come prepared to participate actively in small group role-plays.

Have you ever struggled to write important emails? Have you ever wondered whether your tone is right in your email messages? In this workshop we will focus on strategies for writing clear, effective and professional email. You will learn how to write emails that are likely to be read, be easily understood, and create a good first impression. Bring a few samples of your important email messages to analyze. Please come prepared to participate actively in small group discussions.

Whether you are writing a research article, class assignment, conference abstract or dissertation, the words, grammatical structures, and organizational patterns you use all signal whether your text sounds “academic.” We will look at features of academic style, and how these differ across a range of writing that undergraduate and graduate students do. In this workshop we will work on how to make effective stylistic choices for the types of writing you are doing and the academic identity you wish to convey to your readers in various writing contexts. Bring a text you are currently working on for analysis. Please come prepared to participate actively in small group discussions.

When you give a presentation, does your voice express confidence? Is it loud enough? Do your listeners easily understand you? Is your audience engaged? In this workshop we will explore techniques to gain confidence and comfort when public speaking in English. You will leave with tips and resources to improve your public speaking abilities. Everyone will give a short presentation on a topic of your choice: a self-introduction, overview of your field of study, or a quick story of an interesting experience. 

(For students applying to masters, PhD, and professional graduate programs)

Are you applying to a graduate program for Fall 2025? Are you trying to figure out how to organize and narrow down all that you might write in your Statement of Purpose (SOP)? How does an SOP differ from a Personal Statement? How do a Teaching Philosophy Statement or a Diversity Statement fit in? We will examine organizational strategies for the range of essays you are crafting, and explore ways to find the words to articulate why you are a great match for the program(s) you are applying to. Bring a list of ideas, a draft outline, or draft essays to work on during the workshop. Please come prepared to participate actively in small group discussions.

The College of LSA has designated 2024 as The Year of Sustainability in support of U-M’s carbon neutrality goals, which means that conversations are going on about these topics all over campus. This interactive workshop equips you with speaking and listening skills to join these conversations, even if you are not an expert on climate issues. You will learn about key concepts and vocabulary and practice sharing your perspective on environmental issues. You will also acquire strategies for navigating challenging discussions and collaborating across disciplines. Please come prepared to participate in small group discussions.