5 Tips for Performance Reviews
The University of Iowa’s Academic Advising Center earned national recognition from the National Academic Advising Association, NACADA, for exemplary practices in performance reviews. Below are five best practices that won their office acclaim as featured in the IowaNow article, Nationally recognized UI staff give 5 tips for performance reviews.
- Have conversations when they aren’t required: Fuel a year-round dialogue.
- Be transparent.
- Create a culture of teamwork and reflection.
- Create opportunities for growth and development.
- Solicit feedback about the process.
Getting Started
Performance Review Process
There is one annual performance review cycle for staff, which begins in mid-April and ends on March 31 of the following calendar year. They are required annually and are designed to improve job quality, work performance, and provide an opportunity to discuss possible development options.
Performance Review Checklist
Explore our Performance Review Checklist to help guide you through the review process and have successful and meaningful conversations with your employees. The checklist helps you stay on track and ensure performance conversations are productive.
Supervisor Performance Review Resources
Performance Review Business Rules
Official requirements and operational guidelines for annual performance reviews of staff at the University of Iowa.
Performance Review Descriptors
Supervisors will assign a performance descriptor to describe each staff member’s overall job performance as part of each formal review.
Performance Review Roles & Responsibilities
Performance reviews are a conversation between supervisor and employee to discuss performance since the last formal review and set goals for the coming year.
Tips for Keeping Employees Engaged
A positive, productive performance review will be more effective when you, the supervisor, have laid the groundwork of trust that shows you want the employee to succeed, that you value them, and you will assist them in their development.
Performance Policies & Considerations
- Policy Manual-Performance Review for University Staff
- Collective Bargaining at the University of Iowa
- Universal Competencies (Applies to all UI jobs)
- WE CARE Values (UI Health Care)
- Mission, Vision, and Core Values (University of Iowa)
Additional Resources & Training
- Delivering Performance Reviews: A Guide for Managers (LinkedIn Learning document)
- Supervising Today's Students (Training Series)
- Practical Application of Supervisory Skills (Training Series)
Performance Consultation
Supervisors who have questions about appropriately conducting a performance review or giving performance feedback may email Sean Hesler, Organizational Effectiveness.
It's equally important to recognize positive performance and address poor performance. For assistance in performance improvement please consult with your supervisor, HR Unit Representative, or senior HR leader.