University of Pennsylvania
Performance and Staff Development Program

The University of Pennsylvania is committed to staff development and believes that the performance appraisal and planning process is an integral part of that development. This process is designed to improve job understanding, promote more effective job performance, and establish future goals for career growth.

The goal of the Performance and Staff Development Program is to provide staff members with feedback on their performance and accomplishments for the previous year. This program should also assist staff members in understanding their job responsibilities and supervisor's performance expectations. Performance goals for the upcoming year and specific plans to help staff members meet those goals should also be established through this process.

Any questions regarding the Performance and Staff Development Program can be directed to Staff and Labor Relations at 898-6093 or by E-mail to .

Forms and materials used in the Performance and Staff Development Program are listed below along with brief descriptions:

Performance and Staff Development Plan:
Completed by the manager/supervisor based on a review of the staff member's performance for the appraisal period. The Performance Plan should describe the actual performance of the staff member. Issues not discussed during the appraisal period should not be reflected in the Performance Plan. The Performance and Staff Development Plan includes a section entitled, "Goals/Projects for Next Appraisal Cycle." This section should be completed for all staff members. The manager/supervisor may consult with Staff and Labor Relations on developing goals for the next appraisal cycle.

Performance and Staff Development Plan - Alternate Formats
Abbreviated versions of the Performance and Staff Development Plan, including the short form, the letter template, and the memorandum template.

Self-Appraisal Worksheet:
Normally, completed by the staff member prior to the manager/supervisor completing the Performance and Staff Development Plan. Provides the staff member with the opportunity to provide his/her perspective regarding performance during the appraisal period. This worksheet also prepares the staff member for a participatory discussion with the manager/supervisor about his/her performance. (This worksheet is similar to the Performance and Staff Development Plan that the manager/supervisor uses to summarize the staff member's performance). The Self-Appraisal Worksheet will be included in the staff member's official personnel file in the Division of Human Resources/Records.

Performance and Staff Development Program Comment Sheet (Optional):
Used by the staff member to comment on any aspect of the performance appraisal and planning process. The completed Comment Sheet should be returned to the manager/supervisor when completed. The Comment Sheet should be forwarded to Human Resources/Staff and Labor Relations and will become a part of the staff member's official personnel file. (The Comment Sheet may be forwarded to Staff and Labor Relations separately, if necessary, from the Performance and Staff Development Plan.)

Guidelines To The Performance And Staff Development Program:
This guidebook is designed to assist University Of Pennsylvania managers, supervisors and faculty in preparing the Performance and Staff Development Plan. This guidebook will also assist you in identifying important points that should be considered and included in your performance and staff development discussion with the staff member.

Writing Effective Performance and Staff Development Plans - A Tip Sheet
This brief overview, in Question and Answer format, provides guidance to supervisors on how to:

• develop clearly defined performance expectations, and;
• provide performance feedback that clearly describes performance results.

Examples of well-written performance expectations and performance feedback are provided.

Writing Effective Performance and Staff Development Plans - PowerPoint Presentation
Click on the above link to download/view a PowerPoint presentation on Writing Effective Performance and Staff Development Plans.
Topics covered include:

• Preparation Steps for Writing Appraisals
• Definition of Performance Expectations
• Types of Expectations
• Criteria for Writing Effective Expectations
• Writing Effective Performance Feedback
• Writing Constructive Feedback on Competencies

Making the Process Work for You - PowerPoint Presentation
Click on the above link to download/view a PowerPoint presentation on Making the Performance Appraisal Process Work for You.
Topics covered include:

• Preparing for the Appraisal Meeting
• Completing the Self-Appraisal Worksheet
• Things to Do Before the Appraisal Meeting
• What to Do at the Appraisal Meeting
• After the Appraisal Meeting
• Writing Constructive Feedback on Competencies

You will need to have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer in order to view the above presentations.

Annual Performance Appraisal and Staff Development Program (619)
The Performance and Staff Development Program provides a periodic appraisal of staff. The appraisal process is designed to encourage constructive dialogue between staff members and their supervisors, to clarify job responsibilities and performance expectations, to assure that job performance and accomplishment information is recorded in each staff member's University employment history, and to provide a basis for decisions on annual merit increases.

Human Resources/Staff and Labor Relations Contact List:
If you have any questions regarding the performance and staff development process, please contact the Staff and Labor Relations Specialist assigned to your school or center. If you are unable to reach the Specialist for your area, please call Human Resources/Staff and Labor Relations at 898-6093 or E-mail us at . and someone will assist you.