ELI Potluck

On Thursday evening, September 30, ELI had a “potluck” dinner. For readers who are unfamiliar with the term “potluck,” this refers to a party with food that is supplied by party guests.  I don’t know the origin of this term, but I can guess that it comes from the idea of people bringing pots of food to a party or event, and the final menu or choice depends on luck.

So one of the exciting things about a potluck dinner is that success of the event depends on luck – or, in the case of the ELI party, success depends on that cooking skills of students who prepare or purchase dishes to bring to the party.

So we were very luck at last night’s party. It was a sumptuous feast! The dishes had their origins from around the world, and I can guarantee that better food could not be found in the finest restaurant. Our ELI students prepared some fantastic dishes. Thanks to all of you!

I was particularly impressed with the pride and skill of ELI students who did the cooking! Where did these students learn to prepare such delicious dishes? I was also surprised at the great food  prepared by the ELI faculty and staff!

A final word to ELI students: If someday you happen to prepare some dishes in your dorm or apartment, and if there happen to be leftovers, feel free to bring them to my office any time!

Jim Hamrick

ELI, Office of Research to offer free course to assist UT instructors with grant writing

The University of Tennessee’s Office of Research, in combination with the English Language Institute, is offering a grant writing course to provide additional composition support to faculty whose first language is not English.

Advanced English Prose for Grant Writing will be held August 31 through October 19 (Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m.) at the Walters Life Science Building (room 401).

This is a “hands-on” course.

It includes opportunities to compose and revise proposals. If you are interested in registering for this course, please register here by August 27.

In this course, you will look at several areas of the grant proposal where clarity of text plays an essential role.

In additional to looking at overall structure, you will study how language can be used most effectively to present clear and concise ideas.

You will learn drafting and editing skills to make their texts academically appropriate and, hopefully, more successful as a result.

If you need more information, please contact the English Language Institute at (865) 974-3404 or e-mail eli@utk.edu.