Tips & Tools

Each employee has a vital role and responsibility in the Performance Excellence process. Use these tools as you work through each step of the process and build your skills throughout the year.

Signing Forms

Some forms throughout the Performance Planning process require signatures. Learn more about signing Adobe forms with our Electronic Signature Job Aid.

Performance Ratings Guide for Employees

Your annual performance rating reflects your supervisor’s overall assessment of your performance across 
the full performance cycle. It considers your responsibilities and expectations, accomplishments and 
results, progress toward goals and development, contributions and impact, and how you demonstrated 
university, MAU and department values. 

Because roles and opportunities differ across the university, ratings are not a checklist or mathematical 
score. They are based on the expectations of your role and the overall pattern of your performance. 

Additional information can be found in the Employee Guide to Performance Ratings.

Step 1: Performance Planning Meeting

• Preparing for Your Performance Planning Meeting
  Tips to prepare for the Performance Planning meeting with your supervisor. 
• Exploring Your Learning Needs
  Ensure the goals and development plan you create with your supervisor are meaningful to you and the university. 
• Goal Setting Tips
  Learn about SMART goals and what to consider when identifying goals.
• Sample Goals for Different Roles
  Examples to help you identify your own performance/development goals to discuss with your supervisor.
  
  

Step 2: Continuous Feedback, Coaching and Development

• Requesting and Accepting Feedback From Your Supervisor
  Learn why feedback is important for professional growth and tips for starting a conversation with your supervisor.
  
  

Step 3: Annual Performance Review

• Preparing for Your Annual Performance Review
  Find information and tips to help you and your supervisor get the most out of this two-way discussion.