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  • Free, non-credit graduate-level courses in research communication for students whose first language is not English. They are offered by the Writing Center and taught by English Language Specialists.
  • Priority registration will be given to degree-seeking UNC graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Others will be wait-listed until space is available. (See our writing groups and speaking groups pages for additional opportunities.)
  • A certificate of completion may be awarded to students who participate fully in a course if requested. There are no grades for these courses, and they will not appear on any UNC transcripts.
  • Please contact Dr. Gigi Taylor with any questions.

Summer Welcome Series for Incoming Students

Academic Writing for Graduate Students Intensive, July 17-21

Targeting students whose first language is not English, this course will provide an overview of the stylistic features of academic writing at the graduate level. It will focus on language features of academic writing and important academic text types. Emphasis will be placed on students developing familiarity with the writing style of their own academic disciplines.

Welcome Workshop Series

See our workshops page for a list of workshops covering essential skills.

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.

Schedule a practice presentation here.

Spring Courses

US English Pronunciation

For students whose first language is not 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). Degree-seeking UNC graduate students and postdoctoral scholars have priority registration. Others will be placed on a waiting list until space is available.

(Zoom) Fridays, 1:25-2:15 p.m., January 27-April 28. Registration closed.

Previous Courses

Research Presentation Skills

For students whose first language is not English, this course will help non-native English speaking scholars prepare a presentation of their research in virtual meetings or webinars. The course will focus on strategies for speaking clearly, creating a professional impression, navigating presentation technology, and managing questions and discussion periods. Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars have priority registration. Visiting scholars will be able to join the course if space is available.

Academic Writing for Graduate Students

For students whose first language is not English, this course will provide an overview of the stylistic features of academic writing at the graduate level. It will focus on language features of academic writing and important academic text types. Emphasis will be placed on students developing familiarity with the writing style of their own academic disciplines. This course will be taught over Zoom and will help prepare you for graduate-level writing at UNC.

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