Special Announcements
In 2023, VCU Human Resources made changes to the performance review process designed to streamline and strengthen the process, and to improve consistency in the usage of the rating scale:
- The self-rating was removed in favor of a stronger focus on the descriptive narratives each staff member provides about their own performance.
- Manager ratings of staff competencies were streamlined to “demonstrated” and “not demonstrated” (instead of a six point rating scale).
- Managers wishing to rate an employee as Exceptional were required to submit a “Request for Exceptional Performance Evaluation Form” to their HR Professional.
With partnership from Staff Senate, VCU HR conducted a performance review survey to gather employee feedback on these changes.
Performance Management
The purpose of performance management at VCU is to establish a clear, consistent foundation for creating meaningful performance goals strategically aligned with university goals, tracking employee progress, providing valuable feedback, and evaluating overall performance.
Performance management begins with the establishment of clear expectations and well-defined behaviors that cascade from the university’s strategic priorities and values to the school/unit level and to each employee, providing a direct line of sight from the individual’s performance goals to the university’s mission and vision. It includes a mechanism for managers to discuss with staff useful and meaningful feedback on accomplishments or areas for improvement and also includes helpful tips for managers to have coaching discussions with staff on career growth as well as rewarding, motivating, and recognizing high performers.
Your Performance Management Process
Staff should reference the VCU Performance Management Guide for a comprehensive overview of the performance management process, guidelines and additional resources. Staff are also encouraged to speak with their manager and HR Professional for questions about the performance management process.
A basic overview of the annual performance management timeline is represented via the tabs below. Schools/units may utilize deadlines that differ slightly from this timeline. This information is presented in further detail in the VCU Performance Management Guide.
Timeline & Resources
January
- Employees complete previous performance cycle's self-review in Talent@VCU.
- Employee and manager meet to discuss the current performance cycle's SMART performance goals and career development plan.
- Employee enters SMART performance goals and career development plan in Talent@VCU for the upcoming performance year.
Read more in the VCU Performance Management Guide.
Probationary Employees
The probationary period allows the university department or school to evaluate the progress and skills of the first-year employee against established performance and behavior expectations, determine appropriate assignments and monitor other aspects of the employee’s performance.
View the Working@VCU “Great Place” HR Policies and the Probationary Employee section of the VCU Performance Management Guide for requirements and further details.
Contact Us
For questions about performance management, contact your HR Professional.
For questions about the VCU Performance Management Guide, contact VCU Employee Relations at emprel@vcu.edu.