The following steps are to be followed for the annual review process.
- The Annual Performance Evaluation email notification is issued by the Office of Human Resources and instructions for employees and supervisors is included.
- If applicable, the employee downloads and completes and saves their self review with the following naming convention: last name, first name self review date (four digit year, two digit month, two digit day) that the review was completed. If this employee is not included in this review cycle then their is not immediate action on their part.
- Employee submits the completed self-assessment via email to their supervisor and HR-EmployeeRelations@cua.edu
- Supervisors reviews the self-assessment and goal progress in preparation for completing the supervisor review.
- Supervisors download the appropriate version of the supervisor appraisal form complete it. Save the supervisor review with the following naming convention: last name, first name, supv review date (four digit year, two digit month, two digit day) that the review was completed. If the employee is not eligible for this years annual review, but is a probationary employee please download and complete a initial six month review template, review it with the employee and send a copy to HR-EmployeeRelations@cua.edu.
- Once the supervisor review is drafted, it is recommended that the supervisor share the review with their supervisor for input and discussion prior to reviewing the supervisor review with the employee. Supervisor reviews, past performance, and looking ahead mutually sets goals with the employee for the upcoming year
- The employee and his/her supervisor meet to discuss the employee’s goals and developmental needs for the upcoming review cycle
- A copy of the review is provided to the employee and one to HR and the supervisor should maintain a copy to facilitate discussion for the upcoming year. Please forward a final signed copy of the completed supervisor review to HR-EmployeeRelations@cua.edu
It is highly recommended that the manager use the performance plan to guide and assess the employee’s performance throughout the year. Status meetings on a established cadence (at the longest, a six month check in, however quarterly is recommended) should consist of the following: reviewing the employee’s progress on goals, key issues, development, and behaviors. The supervisor should note progress and concerns on the performance plan. In addition, the supervisor should use these meetings to coach and mentor employees on their developmental needs and career goals. During these meetings, the supervisor should seek feedback on how they may better assist the employee if he/she has the resources needed to successfully implement his/her goals. If the employee is experiencing any barriers outside of his/her control or if there are changes in University or departmental goals, the performance plan will need to be adjusted.
FAQ
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When are the annual reviews for the current cycle due?
The annual reviews for FY27 (26-27) are due on or before April 24, 2026. -
What is a performance review?
Performance reviews can be called evaluations or appraisals. The review is the process of assessing an employee's performance for a review cycle (probationary first six months of employment, annually, etc.). The form is a document that managers use to evaluate performance. -
Can employees have an evaluation form to fill out?
For the annual review process, employees should fill out a self-assessment form first. These forms list the accomplishments or any obstacles that the employee had. -
What if I have a new employee?
New employees that start on or after January 1, 2026 and after will be excluded from the annual review process, but should have a probationary review completed by their supervisor and reviewed with the employee. -
Are researchers that are full-time get reviews?
No, researchers will not be evaluated at this time. -
Do faculty get reviews?
No, only academic staff will be evaluated. -
Why do we complete reviews when there is not always a budget for merit increases?
The performance review has purposes other than determining increases in pay. It is an opportunity to discuss and document feedback on an individual’s performance, to confirm goals and priorities, and it serves as a guideline for each employee’s own professional development. It is a good forum to open up the discussion between employee and supervisor about how an individual can be most effective in his or her current role and clarify expectations as well as prepare for future growth in the position. This is also a good opportunity to discuss the Code of Conduct and Mission and ensure alignment on both. -
What if supervisor assignments changed during the review period? Who is responsible for conducting a review?
The current manager should conduct the evaluation with input from the previous manager (if still employed). Input from past managers is relevant to the entire assessment. However, if the change was very recent, it might be appropriate for the previous manager to conduct the evaluation. There is no right or wrong approach. -
What if an employee's performance does not meet expectations?
If a employee has a less than "meets expectations" scores on performance review then please reach out to a member of the Employee Relations Team in The Office of Human Resources to guide you in next steps to addressing performance properly.
A general guideline is if the employee receives three or more "does not meet expectations" scores on the review that would trigger the development of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) which the Employee Relations team is ready to support supervisors in developing and issuing. Is it also important to provide concrete examples with dates and objective written feedback to concretely demonstrate where the employee is falling short on both the performance review and the PIP.
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Who is excluded from reviews?
Faculty, Deans, Chairs, researchers, temps, contractors, and staff that have started on July 1, 2025 or after.