Choose ELSO

English Language Support Office

A division of the Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines, ELSO's mission is to offer writing and speaking support to multilingual and international graduate and professional students that meets the needs of students across programs, from different linguistic backgrounds, and at all points in their graduate careers.

ELSO Links

Courses Tutoring Workshop Series Speaking Groups Program Summer Writing Support Open Hours and Contact Information Faculty Support Give to ELSO Knight Institute website

ELSO News

A close up image of a paper being reviewed

ELSO Tutoring now open to Cornell Tech students

Cornell Tech students can now use English Language Support Office (ELSO) Tutoring!

IGPS Welcome Event

The International Graduate and Professional Students Organization (IGPS) is hosting a welcome event to kick off the Spring semester Wednesday January 28!

picture outside Caldwell Hall in the autumn

Which ELSO Writing Course to Choose?

ELSO offers four writing courses. Are you wondering which one to choose? Here is some guidance.

Course Applications No Longer Required

ELSO no longer requires applications for ELSO writing classes.

Heading into Winter Break

Check out the final dates for ELSO programming and tutoring, as well as information on forming a writing group for winter break!

Take a Break with ELSO Thursday December 4th at 4:30-6:30pm at the Big Red Barn!

Take a Break with ELSO December 4!

Take a Break with ELSO Thursday, December 4 from 4:30-6:30pm at the Big Red Barn!

picture of attendees at a past ELSO event

Help Support ELSO's Spring Take a Break Event

To help alleviate some of the stress in this challenging time the English Language Support Office aims to host a social event, “Take a Break with ELSO,” for multilingual graduate and professional students and postdocs to relax, enjoy games, and take a break from the work and worry of academic life. ...

an open notebook on a desk in front of a laptop with a cup of coffee to the right

Coming soon, ELSO Write-Ins

ELSO Write-Ins will begin shortly after fall break!

More News

The 2016 Graduate School (GRAD) Writing Group Program Celebration.

ELSO Goals

Our goals are for multilingual and international graduate and professional students to:

value multilingualism, seeing it as a resource and point of pride
be a part of and have a voice in the Cornell community and larger academic or professional community
create community with multilingual and international graduate and professional students across fields
engage in cross-cultural communication

Fall 2025 ELSO Info Sessions

New to Cornell? Have questions about ELSO programs? You are invited to attend an ELSO Info Session. During these online events, ELSO faculty will provide an overview of ELSO programs and answer your questions. Zoom links will be provided through the ELSO listserv.

ELSO Info Session Schedule:

Friday, August 15, 4:00-5:00 pm EST

Tuesday, August 19, 9:00-10:00 am EST