USC uses Blackboard Ultra, which has built-in rubric functionality that streamlines grading.
Creating Rubrics in Blackboard Ultra
- Navigate to your course and select the assignment
- Click "Add Rubric" in assignment settings
- Choose "Create New Rubric" or select existing
- Add criteria (rows) and performance levels (columns)
- Enter descriptors for each cell
- Set point values for each level
- Save and associate with your assignment
Key Features
- Rubric visibility: Students can view before submitting
- Click-to-grade: Select performance levels quickly
- Add feedback: Include criterion-specific comments
- Automatic calculation: Grades calculate automatically
- Reuse rubrics: Save to library and reuse across courses
Time-Saving Tips
- Build a rubric library in one course, then copy to others
- Click through cells rapidly—add comments later if needed
- Enable "Show rubric to students" for self-assessment
- Use the mobile app for grading on-the-go
Need Help?
Contact USC's Center for Teaching Excellence or visit Blackboard Help resources (available within your Blackboard course).