Frequently Asked Questions
Many of your questions are also answered in this online video!
- Who can attend the workshops and groups?
- Can my spouse attend the workshops or join a writing group or speaking group?
- I am applying to a degree program or for a job at UNC or UNC Hospitals. Can I use ELAC services?
- Can I get a U.S. student visa to take ESL classes at UNC?
- Does UNC offer ESL classes for credit?
- Can I use the Writing Center's tutoring services?
- What do the workshops and groups cost?
- Where do the workshops take place?
- Where is Greenlaw 221?
- How do I register?
- How can I register if I don't have an ONYEN?
- How can I join or form a writing group?
- How can I join a speaking group?
- Do you only help with writing?
- Will you proofread my essay / paper / dissertation / article?
- Who leads the workshops and groups?
- I have an idea for another workshop or ESL service. Can I suggest a new topic?
- Can I link to your page or use your materials (online presentations, groups procedures, workshops descriptions) on my website?
Who can attend the workshops and groups?
ELAC services are open to all non-native speakers of English and international students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This includes undergraduates, graduate students (in all departments), exchange students, postdoctoral and visiting scholars, faculty, and staff. We serve both international students and U.S. residents who speak a language other than English at home.
Can my spouse attend the workshops or join a writing group or speaking group?
Sorry, no. All ELAC services are reserved for current UNC students, scholars, faculty, and staff only. However, please see this list of other opportunities, including an ESL class for UNC spouses in Fall 2009.
I am applying to a degree program or for a job at UNC or UNC Hospitals. Can I use ELAC services?
Sorry, no. ELAC serves current students, scholars, and employees only. You are welcome to watch our online workshops and follow our blog.
For more information about applying to UNC as an international student/scholar, please contact: Undergraduate Admissions, the Graduate School, the Business School's MBA program, the Study Abroad Office (exchange programs), or the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. For information about visas, contact International Student and Scholar Services.
You can find intensive ESL programs to prepare for graduate study in the U.S. on these websites: The American Association of Intensive English Programs, University and College Intensive English Programs, or the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation. There is no full-time, year-round intensive ESL program in the triangle area of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh). However, there are short-term programs at Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina State University.
Can I get a U.S. student visa to take ESL classes at UNC?
No.
Does UNC offer ESL classes for credit?
There are no undergraduate ESL classes at UNC. There are two ESL classes for graduate students through the English Department. The Graduate School runs the Preparing International Teaching Assistants Program (PITAP), which helps ITAs prepare for their role as classroom or lab instructors by improving their English pronunciation, cross-cultural communication and teaching skills. You do not have to be a teaching assistant to enroll. Postdocs and visiting scholars may be able to audit a course (more information about PITAP). Please contact your school or department to check if they have writing classes or courses for international students.
Can I use the Writing Center's tutoring services?
All full-time, degree-seeking students can use on-campus Writing Center tutoring. Please read the access policy. For more information, please email the Writing Center or call 962-7710. Non-native speakers are strongly encouraged to join a writing group and/or speaking group for specific help with their langauge needs.
In addition, graduate students writing their PhD may be able to sign up for Dissertation Coaching from the Academic Success Program. Contact 962-7227 for more information about working with ASP's Certified Professional Coaching staff.
What do the workshops and groups cost?
Nothing. ELAC services are free to UNC students, scholars, and faculty. The ESL couse for spouses requires a $10 materials fee.
Where do the workshops and group meetings take place?
Most ELAC services take place in the Writing Center, Lower level (basement) of the Student & Academic Services Building (SASB) North (directions). Here is a map:
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Some workshops and groups are also held at the Health Sciences Library (map), the FedEx Global Education Center, and in the Greenlaw Building (English Department, near Student Stores and Lenoir Cafeteria; map).
Where is Greenlaw 221?
Greenlaw is the English Department's building in the center of campus. Find the Davis (Main) Library, the Student Stores, or the Student Union. They border the area called "The Pit." Stand in the Pit with your back to the Student Stores, facing Lenoir Cafeteria. Greenlaw is the building in front of you and to your left. (Or ask any student in the Pit for directions!) Room 221 is the Writing Center's satellite space on the second floor, between the English department offices and classrooms.
How do I register?
Please register online for workshops by clicking here. You will need your ONYEN (UNC email address) and password. You can register online for speaking groups here. You must register in person for writing groups (more details).
How can I register if I don't have an ONYEN?
If you do not have an ONYEN because you are a temporary scholar or employee, please email us with your name, UNC affiliation, and the workshops you'd like to attend. To get your ONYEN, please visit ONYEN services.
How can I join or form a writing group?
Please read the Writing Groups page for full details. There is are sign-up periods at the beginning of every semester. If you are a new writing group participant, you must sign up in person. If you have formed your own group, only one member needs to sign-up in person. If you have already been in one of our writing groups, you can just email Nigel Caplan. Please see the calendar for the next sign-up session, but do contact us if you can't attend any sign-up sessions to make alternative arrangements.
Can can I join a speaking group?
Simply complete the online form, and we will contact you will groups that fit your schedule. Speaking groups run during the Fall and Spring semesters, and you can join at any time.
Do you only help with writing?
No - we have workshops on all areas of English language (reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary) and American culture. Please read the descriptions of this semester's workshops. In addition, our speaking groups provide help with presentations, discussions, conversation, and pronunciation.
Will you proofread my essay / paper / dissertation / article?
No. We will help you develop the skills you need to be successful at Carolina, including writing, grammar, and proofreading. The Writing Center has a Help for Hire board with people you can pay to edit/proofread your writing.
Who leads the workshops and groups?
Most of the workshops and groups are led by Nigel Caplan, an ESL (English as a Second Language) Specialist in the Writing Center. Nigel is an experienced ESL teacher and the coordinator of the English Language & American Culture services. Other workshops and groups are led by Dr. Gigi Taylor, who is also an ESL Specialist at the Writing Center.
I have an idea for another workshop or ESL service. Can I suggest a new topic?
Yes, please! We want to hear what you need. Please email elac@unc.edu with your suggestions.
Can I link to your page or use your materials (online presentations, groups procedures, workshops descriptions) on my website?
The contents of this website are protected under a Creative Commons license. You may reproduce materials for non-commercial use only and without making any changes. You must give the correct attribution: (c) English Language & American Culture at the Writing Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. If you want to adapt materials or use them commercially, please contact us first. We would appreciate an email telling us if you are linking to any pages or videos or our site!