BizComm
The BizComm coaches are a free consultation service for all College of Business students. Whether you need help getting started on an assignment, have a question about writing conventions, or are looking for feedback on what you have already developed, we are here to help. The BizComm coaches are Rhetoric and Composition PhD students with business communication training and experience in writing centers, writing instruction, and editing. We aim to help individuals improve as communicators through collaboration and conversation.
In addition to our consultation services, we offer free editing services to the College of Business faculty. This service is first-come, first-served, and may be subject to availability.
Book an Appointment (Students)
Types of Appointments:
We offer face-to-face, virtual, and asynchronous written feedback appointments.
- Face-to-Face: You can meet with a BizComm coach in their designated office.
- Virtual: You can video chat with a BizComm coach through Microsoft Teams. You should have access to a stable internet connection, speakers or headphones, and a microphone or headset.
- Written Feedback: You can email a BizComm coach a draft of your work and they will provide you written feedback by the end of the appointment time.
BizComm Curriculum
UofL’s innovative BizComm curriculum has been specially designed to help students develop business-specific writing and speaking skills. In the required Introduction to Business Communication course (BUS 301), students will develop and refine five core business communication competencies:
- Professional
- Clear
- Concise
- Evidence-driven
- Persuasive
Mastery of these skills will help students set themselves apart from competitors in job interviews, perform well on the job, and advance quickly in their careers.
In BUS 301, class sizes are kept small so that students can receive individualized attention from highly qualified faculty members dedicated to student learning. Additionally, students can access free communication coaching on writing and speaking assignments with the College of Business’s dedicated BizComm coaches.
BizComm FAQ
The BizComm coaches are a free consultation service for all College of Business students or faculty members. Whether you need help getting started on an assignment, have a question about writing conventions, or are looking for feedback on what you have already developed, we are here to help.
How can the BizComm Coaches help me?
We aim to help individuals improve as communicators. We assist with brainstorming, topic development, outlining, drafting, and revision for:
- Written Assignments
- Presentations (including practice)
- Visual Aids (including PowerPoint and report graphics)
- Team Projects (including coordinating work tasks, and dealing with team issues)
- And more!
How do I schedule an appointment?
Visit our scheduling website to book an appointment. You may select either a virtual appointment or a face-to-face appointment. You also can choose a particular coach if you have a preference. Please note that the availability differs depending on both appointment type and coach.
How long are appointments?
Appointments are one hour long. You may book up to two sessions (two total hours) of coaching per week.
What types of appointments do you offer?
We offer virtual, face-to-face, and written feedback appointments. In-person appointments are held in rooms 388 and 389. Virtual appointments are held over Microsoft Teams. For written feedback appointments, you should email the coaches your draft before your appointment time. The coaches will email you written feedback by the end of your appointment time.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We accept walk-ins when our schedule allows it; however, we strongly recommend booking online ahead of time so that you can reserve a slot.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your instructor’s assignment prompt and your draft or ideas (print or digital). For virtual appointments, be prepared to share your screen.
I’m working on a group project. Can my group schedule an appointment?
Yes! The scheduling form has an optional question: “Is there anything else you would like us to know about your needs?” Use this space to note the number of people in your group coming. We recommend signing up for two back-to-back sessions (1 hour) for group meetings.
How do I know which Coach I’ll be working with? Can I request a particular Coach when I sign up for an appointment?
After you sign up for an appointment, you will see which coach you are scheduled with and where their office is located. You will also receive an email with this information. If you’d like to select a particular coach, choose which coach you wish to work with from the drop-down menu that says “Select Staff.”
If I’m running late, can I still keep the appointment?
We generally cancel appointments if you are more than 10 minutes late. If you know you may be running late, email us.
How do I cancel my appointment?
Email us to with your appointment date/time and that you need to cancel. You can’t cancel an appointment through the booking system.
I still have questions. Who do I contact?
Contact the BizComm coaches directly.
BizComm Coaches
Annika Reitenga is a rhetoric and composition PhD student at the University of Louisville. Annika studies the rhetoric of health and medicine (RHM), health communications, and sexual health literacy practices. Annika has work experience as the digital marketing manager for a start-up cybersecurity company, and she has worked at the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business as a research assistant. She also contributes to communications materials for the Kentucky-based nonprofit All Access EKY.
Annika’s Contact Info:
- Email: annika.reitenga@louisville.edu
- Phone: 502-852-4870
Annika’s Coaching Hours (Rm 389):
- Monday, 10 AM-11 AM; 2:30 PM- 4:30 PM
- Tuesday, 5-8 PM (virtual)
- Wednesday, 10 AM-11 AM; 2:30 PM- 4:30 PM
Christina Davidson is a third-year PhD student in Rhetoric and Composition, currently serving as a BizComm coach and instructor of business communication in the University of Louisville’s College of Business. In her present research, she’s investigating the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) writing tools into employee writing practices within industry contexts. She’s interested in how emergent technologies may transform employee content creation and is studying how the genre of the acceptable use policy (AUP) may be used to inform and mediate employee writing practices. As a result of this research, she’s mindful of how students can transfer their academic experiences into their future professional identities and draws attention to this in her classroom.
Christina’s Contact Info:
- Email: christina.davidson@louisville.edu
- Phone: 502-852-4778
Christina’s Coaching Hours (Rm 389):
- Tuesday, 9 AM- 12 PM
- Wednesday, 9 AM- 12 PM; 6-8 PM (virtual)
- Thursday, 9 AM- 12 PM
Please note: BizComm Coaching is NOT a drop-off editing service. While editing-related concerns may be addressed during your consultation, the service is designed to help you develop your own communication abilities.