ELI Fall 2025 Workshop Series: English for Academic Purposes

Are you aware that interacting with professors outside of class can be a key to your academic success? Office hours are an excellent way to get answers to questions about course content or homework. They are also a way to get to know your professor, learn about the larger academic community in your field, and begin building your professional network. This workshop will provide information about what to expect during office hours and tips for communicating effectively with your professors. Please come prepared to participate actively in small group role-plays.

Everyone is using Generative AI tools like ChatGPT in classwork and in their personal lives. But how do you know if you are using AI tools efficiently, effectively, and ethically in your writing? In this workshop, we will discuss ways to use AI tools that support your learning, save time on tedious tasks, but that also adhere to best practices and avoid getting into trouble with issues of intellectual property and plagiarism. You will leave this workshop with tools and strategies to feel more comfortable and confident with your use of AI tools.

Are you new to the U.S.? Is this your first time living and studying in an English-speaking culture? Many people experience feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and being overwhelmed after moving to a new city or country. This is called culture shock. Research has demonstrated that culture shock has several predictable stages and that being aware of these can help us navigate it more effectively. In this workshop, you will learn strategies for moving through culture shock interacting effectively across cultures and in new environments. Please come prepared to participate actively through discussions and small-group activities.

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.” In this workshop, we will define ‘academic style’ and analyze its features in different types of writing assignments. You will learn how to make effective stylistic choices that convey your ideas smoothly and clearly and express your individual academic identity, too. Bring a text you are currently working on for analysis. Please come prepared to participate actively in small group discussions.

Public speaking is a challenge for almost everyone. When you give a presentation, does your voice express confidence? Is it loud enough? Do your listeners easily understand you? Is your audience engaged? Do you know how to manage the”Q&A”time after the presentation? In this workshop you will learn techniques to gain confidence and comfort when speaking in front of small and large groups. You will leave with tips and resources to use in future presentations. 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.

Are you applying to a graduate program for Fall 2026? 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 does a Teaching Philosophy Statement or a Diversity Statement fit in? We will examine organizational strategies for different types of application essays. You will also learn ways to find the words to make a strong case for 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.