Performance management is an ongoing communication process between a manager and employee which supports accomplishing the strategic objectives of our organization.

A successful performance management program helps organizations retain talented employees, keep them engaged, enhance learning, build a winning culture and be successful.

At Rice University, the performance management process is designed to enable employees to talk throughout the year about performance and how job expectations link to organizational goals.

Why Performance Management Annual Performance Management is an opportunity to reflect on performance over the past year, recognize contributions, and set a clear path forward. The goal of this process is to ensure performance conversations are fair, meaningful, and grounded in actual results, growth, and impact Effective annual performance discussions are based on a full-year perspective, not isolated moments. Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring performance conversations are accurate, balanced, and constructive. While the annual review is a formal milestone, it reflects performance across the year. Regular conversations between managers and employees help ensure that annual discussions are accurate, transparent, and aligned with actual performance and evolving priorities. See below for more details.

Annual Performance Review (APR) process in iO E-Learning (19-minutes) Training Video For Employees and Supervisors Click below to enroll in the E-Learning in iO Quick How-To on Completing the APR in iO video (7 minutes)

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Troubleshooting a Locked APR APR Locked Pending Status If your Annual Performance Review says "The FY 2026 Goals evaluation topic is locked because approvals are pending", you won't be able to continue until you resolve this. Click below to watch a 2-minute video on how to resolve the issue.

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Performance Evaluation Toolkit

The Performance Evaluation Toolkit is a curated collection of courses, AI simulators and books designed to support both supervisors and employees throughout the performance evaluation process.

Click below to visit the toolkit in iO.

Preparing for Annual Performance Management

Annual Performance Management is an opportunity to reflect on performance over the past year, recognize contributions, and set a clear path forward. The goal of this process is to ensure performance conversations are fair, meaningful, and grounded in actual results, growth, and impact.

• The annual performance process is designed to:
• Assess progress toward established goals and expectations.
• Recognize accomplishments and contributions made throughout the year.
• Identify strengths, development areas, and growth opportunities.
• Align individual performance with departmental and university priorities.
• Establish clear goals and priorities for the year ahead.

What to Consider When Preparing

Effective annual performance discussions are based on a full-year perspective, not isolated moments. Preparation should include:

• Reviewing goals set at the beginning of the year and noting outcomes or progress.
• Reflecting on key accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Considering how work has supported team, department, and university objectives.
• Identifying skills or experiences that supported success or limited progress.
• Acknowledging changes in priorities, scope, or responsibilities during the year.

Manager and Supervisor Responsibilities

Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring performance conversations are accurate, balanced, and constructive. This includes:

• Evaluating performance based on documented work, outcomes, and behaviors.
• Providing clear examples to support ratings and feedback.
• Recognizing achievements and contributions in a timely and thoughtful manner.
• Discussing development needs and future growth opportunities.
• Setting clear, achievable goals and expectations for the coming year.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees play an active role in the performance management process. To prepare for annual reviews, employees should:

• Reflect on accomplishments, progress, and challenges over the year.
• Be prepared to discuss contributions, results, and areas for development.
• Seek clarification on expectations, feedback, and future priorities.
• Share career interests and development goals.
• Engage openly in the conversation and goal-setting process.

Supporting Ongoing Performance Conversations

While the annual review is a formal milestone, it reflects performance across the year. Regular conversations between managers and employees help ensure that annual discussions are accurate, transparent, and aligned with actual performance and evolving priorities.

Support and Resources

Office hours and resources are available to support managers and employees as they prepare for Annual Performance Management conversations. Teams may also request in-person support or guidance.

For assistance, please contact otd@rice.edu.

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Annual Performance Review (Evaluation) Training and Office Hours

Office Hours for Annual Performance Evaluation and General Performance Management Question

Got Questions? Our Performance Management team is available to assist. We have scheduled the office hours below, click on the Zoom Link to join the office hours at the scheduled times. Additionally, you can reach us at OTD@rice.edu (Office Hours will be updated on Fridays)

Zoom Link Click Here

16 Feb 3:00 - 3:30 PM

17 Feb 9:00 - 9:30 AM

18 Feb 1:00 - 1:30 PM

19 Feb 1:00 - 1:30 PM

20 Feb 9:00 - 9:30 AM

Key Steps in the Annual Performance Review (Evaluation)

Key Steps of the Process:
1. Self-Evaluation and Rating: You will assess your accomplishments, progress towards meeting goals, expectations, deliverables, and your overall performance.
2. Manager and Employee Evaluation Discussion: You and your manager will meet to review your performance, assess progress toward expectations, and discuss your goal accomplishment, key deliverables, and overall role responsibilities. Your active participation in these meaningful conversations is essential, as it provides valuable insight into your performance and accomplishments over the past year.
3. Manager Evaluation and Rating: Your manager will provide a final rating and feedback on your performance. These ratings will help inform merit-based decisions.
4. Employee Acknowledgement: You will submit any final comments and complete the acknowledgement to close the process. Please note, the cycle will not end if you do not complete the final acknowledgement.

Executive Communication