2026 Workshops for Teaching Assistants and Graduate Instructors
Writing Across the Curriculum is pleased to announce our annual workshops for graduate instructors and teaching assistants, revised to include the widest range of student appointments and instructional contexts, and to address questions about Generative AI. We encourage graduate instructors of record to register for both workshops. Teaching assistants and graders are especially encouraged to attend “Feedback and Grading for Undergraduate Writing.” The workshops are especially helpful to first-time GIs and TAs.
Due to the interactive nature of these workshops, they will be held on campus only with no remote option. Participation is free, but you must register for sessions by August 28, 2026.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Designing and Scaffolding Writing Assignments for Undergraduate Courses
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 1:00–4:00 pm
Location: 150 Campbell Hall (tentative)
Teaching a course that involves student writing (research papers, problem sets, essays, online discussion posts, posters, lab reports, reflections, reading responses, or presentations)? This half-day workshop will prepare you to:
- Construct writing assignments tailored to course learning outcomes
- Develop in-class and take-home writing activities that prepare students to successfully navigate writing expectations in your course and field
- Manage course policies and student assumptions about generative AI
TA/GI participants will have opportunities to create or refine materials for courses they will teach.
Audience: This workshop is most helpful for graduate instructors of record, but all graduate students interested in growing their skills in assignment design and writing pedagogy are welcome.
Registration: Register by Aug. 28 to guarantee your spot, as spaces are limited. Note: these interactive workshops are held in-person and are not available remotely or recorded.
Responding to and Grading Undergraduate Writing
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 1:00–4:00 pm
Location: 3-110 Health Sciences Education Center (tentative)
Are you tasked with responding to undergraduate student writing (including research papers, problem sets, essays, online discussion posts, posters, lab reports, reflections, reading responses, presentations, and other forms of communication)? This half-day workshop will prepare you to:
- Utilize early coaching feedback to promote understanding and revision
- Respond to large numbers of student papers efficiently and fairly, while keeping your grading time manageable
- Manage course policies and student assumptions about generative AI
- Practice assessing and offering feedback, using real writing samples from UMN undergrads
Audience: This workshop is designed for all graduate students responsible for grading, whether they are teaching assistants or graduate instructors of record.
Registration: Register by Aug. 28 to guarantee your spot, as spaces are limited. Note: these interactive workshops are held in-person and are not available remotely or recorded.
Facilitators:
Daniel Emery, Assistant Director of Writing Across the Curriculum, works closely with department faculty to develop and implement writing plans. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and has been a curriculum leader (Oklahoma) and director of a Writing Center (Utah).
Jessa Wood, Assistant Director of Writing Across the Curriculum, works closely with department faculty to develop and implement writing plans. Jessa earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Rhetoric & Scientific and Technical Communication from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.