University of Wisconsin–Madison
Enhancing communication, cultural understanding, and learning in our diverse multilingual work environment

Workplace Learning

Cultural Linguistic Services offers a variety of workplace learning opportunities for UW–Madison employees.

Workplace English Classes

CLS partners with UW–Madison departments to offer on-site classes for English Language Learning (ELL) employees. Classes improve communication between employees and supervisors and increase employee engagement in the campus community.

Employees develop listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and pronunciation skills around workplace topics such as:

  • daily interactions
  • culture
  • safety
  • human resources
  • job duties and responsibilities
  • tools and equipment
  • competencies specific to individual departments

Learn more about Workplace English classes for your department

Contact Workplace English Program Coordinator Jennifer Sell at 608-265-6651 or jennifer.sell@wisc.edu.

First Wednesdays English Conversation Time

First Wednesdays English Conversation Time is a drop-in program that helps UW–Madison employees (including J-1 visa scholars) improve their English skills to advance in the workplace.

First Wednesdays is open the first Wednesday of every month from 4–5:30 pm at 21 N. Park Street in room 1108 (1st floor). Employees do not need to register or make an appointment.

Common topics of instruction:

  • English conversation, pronunciation, and listening
  • Workplace and research vocabulary
  • US culture and American idioms
  • UW–Madison culture and events

More information about the First Wednesdays

View the First Wednesdays Flyer: