Workshop Series

ELSO offers workshops on a range of topics related to writing and speaking available to all multilingual domestic and international graduate and professional students. These workshops are not credit-bearing but do require registration. There is no fee. Students may choose to register for only one or two workshops or may register for the full set.

Questions about ELSO Workshops may be sent to the ELSO email account.

Fall 2024 Workshop Series

In fall 2024, ELSO workshops will take place on Friday afternoons from 2:30-4:00 pm EST in Caldwell Hall room 250.

Workshop Registration

To register for an ELSO workshop, visit WC Online and choose "ELSO  Workshops FA24" from the Schedule drop down menu. Navigate through the schedule to the date of the workshop you are interested in and click on the white box next to the description, and fill out the registration information.

September 6: Socializing and Networking

At conferences, during networking events, even just waiting in line at Starbucks, these are all times to make contacts and talk about your academic work with others. In this workshop, you’ll learn about and practice starting a conversation and continuing it to make friends and connections. You will also learn strategies for making your academic work understandable for others outside your field.

September 13: University Career Fair Days

This September, Career University Fair Days will take place partially online and partially in-person. In past events, over 100 companies have sent their representatives to provide information about working for their company, to collect applications from students, and even to conduct hiring interviews. Through this workshop, you'll learn what to expect and some strategies for attending the fair.

September 27: Using Generative AI to Be a More Effective Writer

Cornell University now provides free access to a Cornell version of Microsoft Copilot, one that keeps your information private. How can this generative AI tool and others (e.g. ChatGPT, Quillbot) be used effectively and ethically in support of writing in English? During this workshop, you will have a chance to explore ways these tools can be used during the writing process, learn ways to use them with less risk, and reflect on the extent to which you want to incorporate them into your own writing practice.

November 8: Writing a Personal Statement/ Statement of Purpose

If you are applying for a graduate program, often, a crucial part of your application is a 1–2-page paper called a statement of purpose (SoP)—also called a personal statement, a letter of intent, or other monikers. This workshop will give you strategies for writing and assessing your SoP. You will gain an understanding of the intent of an SoP, common protocols used, and approaches to customization. In addition, diversity statements will be introduced. 

November 15: Intonation: Using Your Voice to Create Meaning

Intonation, or the way our voice rises and falls in a word or phrase, can impact how well you're understood by others. Learn to listen for these variations in pitch, imitate the 'melody' of English, and try out ways to create meaning with your voice in this interactive, hands-on workshop.

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