Grading papers can be the bane of a writing teacher’s existence. It’s time-consuming, yet doesn’t necessarily improve students’ writing. There are, however, tools that can make the process more efficient and effective.

The UWC has scheduled three faculty workshops to present one of those tools: Waypoint software, a Web-based package that simplifies the job of responding to student papers.

Waypoint Outcomes , already in use at Mays Business School, helps instructors respond to papers consistently and quickly by using rubrics and standard comments. The program also tracks individual and class performance on specific criteria.

The UWC has secured a one-year trial license for Waypoint, and workshop participants will receive a subscription.

Faculty can choose to register for one of three sessions:

• 10 a.m. to noon, May 13;
• 10 a.m. to noon, July 25; or
• 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., July 25.

“Waypoint helps instructors focus on key objectives when they look at student writing, which streamlines the process,” says UWC Executive Director Valerie Balester. Register at writingcenter.tamu.edu .