The English Writing & Communication Centre (EWCC) of the English Language Centre has continued their efforts in Fall 2025 to support students’ academic literacy and communication development through a range of academic services and interactive activities.
Two fellows from the Princeton in Asia (PIA) programme, together with two newly appointed Visiting Instructors for English Language Learning Support (ELLS), joined the centre and contributed to academic support services for UM students. Their participation enriched the Writing Centre’s learning environment, fostered cultural exchange and brought diverse academic and intercultural perspectives to peer-based academic support.
Throughout the semester, EWCC recorded strong and sustained engagement in one-to-one consultation services. Over 450 consultation appointments were made. More than half of the students return for multiple consultations, demonstrating continued engagement with Writing Centre support.
 |
 |
[One-to-one consultation]
In collaboration with the UM Library, the EWCC organised regular library drop-in sessions to enhance the accessibility of academic support. A total of 11 library drop-in sessions were delivered during the semester, providing 27.5 service hours of student consultation. These sessions covered themes including CV writing, personal statements, and project and essay writing, which effectively addressed students’ concerns in the fall semester. The drop-ins also provided a convenient and accessible avenue for students to seek academic support in an informal and familiar study environment.
 |
 |
 |
[Library Drop-in Tuesday]
To complement its core services, EWCC organised a range of outreach and enrichment activities that built a sense of learning community. At the beginning of the semester, the Sweet Start Open House welcomed students to explore the Writing Centre in a relaxed and interactive setting. Students brought and shared candies, socialised with peers, and created short, engaging videos during the session, contributing to a lively atmosphere while familiarising themselves with the writing centre services. In addition, two holiday listening sessions were organised and were very well received by participants. These sessions combined listening to Christmas songs with learning activities, including playing bingo games and enjoying hot chocolate, creating a relaxed and engaging environment for developing listening skills and peer interaction.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fmJx68SdHuo
[Sweet Start Open House]
 |
 |
[Holiday Listening Sessions]
EWCC also organised the i-Learner Competition, which encouraged students to participate in independent learning in online English practising platforms. The competition has highlighted students’ commitment and resilience in improving their English skills alongside their academic journey.
[I-Learner competition ceremony]
Overall, the semester’s activities demonstrated the continued impact of EWCC in fostering academic excellence, inclusivity, and student-centred learning. The sources provided by EWCC are free and open to all UM students.
EWCC consultation service will start on January 13th, with library drop-in commencing after the Chinese New Year. In the new semester, EWCC will offer more regular speaking practice sessions, skill-based and exciting activities facilitated by different tutors. Stay tuned, join us in learning English and growing together in the new year with EWCC!
(Written by ELLS Kate Luo)