Non-Native English Speakers

If English is not your native language, we offer services especially for you.  Our Non-Native Speaker Specialist, Ms. Maradee Kern, will meet with you to discuss your personal language goals and, if you’re interested, schedule weekly sessions to work with you on those concerns.  We can help you understand what your American professors expect from your writing, and we can teach you how to better identify and correct your own grammar errors.

Who is a Non-Native Speaker?

Non-native speakers come from a variety of backgrounds with many different needs.  In the Writing Center, we work with students non-native speakers who...

• Learned English in school as a second or foreign language.
• Speak English at school, work, or with friends but have difficulty writing in English.
• Have never used English in an academic setting.
• Read and write English well but lack confidence in a classroom setting.

Conversation Hours

Each week the Writing Center hosts open Conversation Hours for those students who want to improve their English in a relaxed atmosphere. Topics will vary each week to include cultural issues, professional skills, personal stories, current events, and anything else students are interested in discussing. You may attend as many conversation hours a week as you like.  There is no need to sign up in advance; simply come to the conference room and join the discussion. Feel free to bring a friend!  (See box to the right for schedule.) 

Other Resources

We also have a number of books and dictionaries written especially for English language learners.  These include helpful charts about English grammar, lists of idioms and common phrases, tips on writing essays, and pictures to accompany many difficult vocabulary words.  You don’t need an appointment to come to the Writing Center and use these materials. You may use them with a tutor or for self-study in your free time during any of our business hours.