Writing & English Language Support for Graduate Students
The UNC Writing Center has a number of opportunities for domestic and international graduate students to develop writing communities this semester. As always, we appreciate your sharing this information with your students.
For all grad students:
Welcome Series for New Grad Students
Wednesdays, 12:20-1:10 p.m. (Zoom)
- Aug 21: Participating in the American Classroom
- Aug 28: Cross-cultural communication
- Sept 4: Reading efficiency
- Sept 11: Four habits of successful writers
- Register here
Writing Center Work Space, SASB North lower level
Need a place to work? Come down to the Writing Center in SASB North. We've got plenty of space, tables, couches, outlets, wifi, coffee and tea, and lots of moral support. The space is open 9-8, except for a few weekly undergrad STEM groups, so grab a friend for accountability, and come on down!
Grad-Specific Resources
We provide online handouts on common graduate writing tasks in the Writing the Paper and the Specific Writing Assignments or Contexts columns of our Tips & Tools page.
Intercultural Speaking Group, Fridays 3-4 p.m.
Fridays, 3-4 p.m. (FedEx Global Education Center)
Speaking Group welcomes American and international participants from the UNC campus and the local community. The group meets weekly in the to discuss topics of culture, university life, or language learning strategies and resources. Our goal is to create a comfortable space to converse in English, to share cultural perspectives, and to build global relationships in our local community.
For international grad students:
Facilitated Writing Groups for International Grad Students
Scheduled at students' convenience. (Zoom or in person)
Registration is open for fall writing groups. Small groups (4-6 students) meet to discuss drafts in development. Participants give and receive feedback on content, organization, and language use with expert facilitation from the Writing Center's English Language Specialists. Perfect for students at any stage of their career at UNC.
Academic Writing for Graduate Students, Sept 10-26 and Oct 2-25
See section times below (Zoom)
Targeting students whose first language is not English, this course will introduce features of academic writing at the graduate level. It will focus on the structure of important texts (e.g., the research introduction), on vocabulary and language development, and on strategies for avoiding plagiarism. Emphasis will be placed on students developing familiarity with the writing style of their own academic disciplines. Sections 1 & 2 cover the same content.
· Section 1: 2-3:15 p.m., Tues/Thurs, Sept 10-26. Register for Section 1
· Section 2: 12:20-1:10 p.m., Wed/Fri, Oct 2-25. Register for Section 2
US English Pronunciation
For students whose first language is not US English, this course will provide instruction on the phonetics of American English and will allow for ample practice time in pairs with English native speakers and in small groups. Lessons will focus on segmental units such as vowels and consonants as well as suprasegmental units including syllables, stress and pitch. Required text: Clear Speech: Pronunciation and Listening Comprehension in North American English (4th Edition).
· Fridays (Zoom): 12:20 p.m.-1:10 p.m., Sept 6-Nov 22. Register here
Research Presentation Skills
This course will help non-native English speaking scholars prepare a presentation of their research. The course will focus on strategies for speaking clearly, creating a professional impression, navigating presentation technology, and managing questions and discussion periods.
· Thursdays (in-person): 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., Sept 19-Oct 24. , September 19-October 24. Register here.
Presentation Practice & Feedback Sessions
Are you preparing for an important presentation? Schedule a 45-minute individual appointment to practice your presentation and get feedback on your slides, presentation style, and any other concerns. For international graduate students and postdocs. Dates will be added after writing group schedules have been determined. Check the link above for updates.
| 
