myHR: March 11, 2026

Year-end Performance Reviews Launch April 1

The staff self-evaluation step of Penn’s year-end performance review process in Workday opens on April 1. Your self-evaluation is an opportunity to reflect on your accomplishments, highlight your strengths, and prepare for a productive conversation with your manager.

This year, a fifth overall performance rating has been added – Meets and occasionally exceeds expectations. This new option provides a more nuanced way to capture performance that consistently meets expectations while also demonstrating moments of stronger-than-expected contributions. The full list of performance ratings is described below.

What You’ll Complete

Your self-evaluation includes four sections:

• Goals: progress and results
• Feedback questions: reflections on your work and professional development
• Competency ratings: how you demonstrated key behaviors
• Overall performance rating: a snapshot of your annual performance
  

How to Prepare

Timely completion helps keep the entire process on track and stress-free. Use these tactics:

• Review notes from your mid-year review or check-ins. Gather examples of meeting and exceeding expectations from your results, metrics, and feedback.
• Before April 1, log in and click on your goals in Workday. Once the review launches on April 1, you will only be able to edit goals within your performance review.
• Confirm with your manager the target due date, and ensure you submit your self-evaluation on time.
• Your supervisor will complete the manager’s evaluation and schedule a meeting with you to discuss your evaluation.
• The entire process must be completed by May 31, although your school or center may communicate and set intermediate deadlines.
• Use tip sheets for step-by-step guidance:
  • Performance: Performance Management for Managers and Employees
  • Performance: Goals and Check Ins

Understanding Competency and Performance Ratings

You and your manager will both provide ratings for each of 10 competencies and for overall performance. The staff member provides these ratings in the self-evaluation, then the manager provides ratings during the manager evaluation.

Competency Ratings

You will rate 10 competencies (5 University-wide and 5 job-related). Competencies are observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. The rating for each of the competencies has three options:

• Needs improvement
• Meets expectations
• Exceeds expectations
  

Overall Performance Rating

This year, you and your manager have five overall performance ratings to consider, rather than four.

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Be in the Know Spring Biometric Screenings

As part of Penn’s annual Be in the Know wellness campaign, participants are encouraged to complete a biometric screening once per campaign year. If you missed the fall 2025 on-campus screening dates, the Penn Healthy You team is pleased to offer two on-campus biometric screenings this spring to ensure you stay on track with your health and wellness.

The free screenings will be held on Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, April 1, both from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Houston Hall in the Bodek Lounge. By completing a screening and registering on the WebMD wellness platform, you will earn 1,000 points and a $50 cash reward. If you already received credit for a biometric screening on or after July 1, 2025 (including the fall 2025 on-campus dates), you do not need to complete another one until next campaign year.

How to Schedule Your Screening

Signing up for an appointment is easy:

1. Visit the Health Advocate website and log in with your PennKey and password.
2. Click the HEALTH tab, then select Get a Health Screening.
3. Choose Health Screening Event, click Schedule Now, and follow the steps to book your preferred time and location.

You’ll receive a confirmation email from Health Advocate, Penn’s biometric screening partner, once your appointment is set.

What You’ll Learn at the Biometric Screening

Quick, convenient, and confidential biometric screenings provide key indicators about your health status. Your privacy is strictly protected; Penn will never know your individual screening results, health assessment answers, or personal wellness goals.

At these non-fasting, on-campus biometric screenings, Health Advocate personnel will measure your:

• Blood pressure
• Lipids, including total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
• Blood sugar/glucose

Be in the Know for Your Health and Rewards

A biometric screening is a great way to “be in the know” regarding your health status, plus earn 1,000 points and a $50 cash incentive for the 2025-2026 campaign year. Once you complete an on-campus screening, Health Advocate will automatically send credit to the new WebMD wellness platform on your behalf. (Please allow a few weeks for biometric screening credit to appear on WebMD’s Rewards page.)

To earn rewards, you must enroll on the new WebMD platform. Get started by visiting WebMD or downloading their “Wellness At Your Side” app (connection code: Penn).

For 2025-2026, complete your choice of qualifying wellness activities to earn up to $300 in cash rewards. All cash incentives will be added to your paychecks (less applicable payroll taxes) and paid on a monthly basis starting October 2025.* The Be in the Know 2025-2026 campaign year runs July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

For complete details, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/beintheknow.

*Per IRS guidelines, all Be in the Know rewards are subject to applicable payroll taxes.

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2026 Models of Excellence Award Program Honorees

Since 1999, Penn’s Models of Excellence program has recognized over 1,900 staff members for their accomplishments. Now in its 27th year, Models of Excellence continues to act on the University’s principles by honoring the people who are the foundation of all we do.

This spring, 74 staff members will receive Models of Excellence Program awards for 2026. The work of these individuals and teams exemplifies the University’s principles and practices.

Following the Models of Excellence call for nominations last fall, the 2026 Selection Committee worked diligently and objectively to review and rate all the Models of Excellence nominations and select this year’s honorees. Penn Human Resources extends its gratitude to the 59 nominators, and the more than 100 colleagues who provided references, for their time, contribution, and commitment to this program.

Award Celebration on June 1, 2026

The Penn community will celebrate the honorees’ outstanding efforts and achievements at the Models of Excellence Ceremony on June 1 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Penn Museum, followed by a reception in the Warden Garden. Please save the date.

President J. Larry Jameson, Provost John L. Jackson, Jr., Executive Vice President Mark F. Dingfield, and Vice President of Human Resources Felicia A. Washington will present the awards on stage.

Individual honorees and teams of up to 20 members will receive an award of $500 per recipient. Teams with more than 20 members will receive a total award of $10,000 distributed evenly among team members. Each award-winning staff member will also receive an engraved keepsake at the award ceremony.

The 2026 Models of Excellence Honorees were selected for their outstanding work in three categories: Models of Innovation, Pillars of Excellence, and Model Supervisor.

Models of Innovation Award

From 20 compelling team and individual nominations, four Models of Innovation nominees are being recognized for their creativity, leadership, initiative, extraordinary service, and dedication to cost-effectiveness.

The Federal Research Transition Team

When federal research funding was disrupted in 2025, Penn’s Federal Research Transition Response Team rallied with speed, creativity, and determination to ensure that leading-edge research could continue. They developed systems to track hundreds of stop-work orders and grant terminations and reestablished critical payments despite government agency system outages. They successfully appealed dozens of funding cuts, resulting in multiple award reinstatements. Collaborating across finance, legal, and research administration functions, the team ensured uninterrupted payroll, maintained compliance, and provided steady and trusted guidance to Penn’s research community. Their innovative, unified response transformed unprecedented national disruption into a lasting model of operational resilience.

Beth Alioto, Division of Finance

Ravindra Avvari, Information Systems and Computing

Montana Beeson, President’s Center

Jacqueline Binstead, Division of Finance

Nicholas Bolger, Division of Finance

Jessica Buchanan, Division of Finance

James Clavin, Division of Finance

Ashley Del Bianco, Division of Finance

Keith Dixon, Division of Finance

Richard Flom, Division of Finance

Kim Garrison, Division of Finance

April Johnson, Division of Finance

Meghan LeCates, Division of Finance

Stacia Levy, Division of Finance

Vanessa Madden, Perelman School of Medicine

Marissa McGeehan, Division of Finance

Julie Meyer, Information Systems and Computing

Ernestine Nemetz, Division of Finance

Elizabeth Peloso, Division of Finance

Jennifer Rowan, Division of Finance

Leo Ruzzi, Division of Finance

Mark Siciliano, Information Systems and Computing

Robert Speakman, Division of Finance

Denene Wambach, President’s Center

Kyle Wolfe, Division of Finance

Peter Harnish, School of Arts and Sciences

Peter Harnish, Laboratory Instruction Coordinator in the School of Arts and Sciences, introduced major innovations in conceiving and implementing the Physics Department’s introductory lab courses and other teaching labs. He instituted a regimen in which students present each experiment in a different mode of communication to prepare them for the various professional situations where they will need to express their ideas effectively. Besides the students, every research group in the department has benefited significantly from these new practices. Peter also organizes and delivers community outreach through Penn’s summer Physics Research Academy and annual Physics Demo Show for area high school students. He added several new, high-visual-impact experiments to these programs along with a more engaging narrative and historical context for younger learners.

Chambrel Jones, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Chambrel Jones, Chief of Staff, School of Engineering and Applied Science, transformed Penn Engineering’s culture through initiatives that elevate transparency, staff engagement, and community service. Chambrel launched the school’s staff onboarding program and monthly staff coffee hours. She enhanced managers' and directors' meetings to foster collaboration and connection. Her signature event, Staff Appreciation Week, distinctively celebrates staff excellence, building morale and retention. Through these self-initiated efforts, Chambrel’s dedication to service reflects and promotes Penn’s values, inspiring others to lead with empathy, strengthen community, and advance Penn Engineering’s mission locally and globally.

Penn Med Standardized Patient Program

The Penn Med Standardized Patient Program developed and implemented new training sessions for Penn Medicine Hospice employees that allow them to build skills required to lead caring and effective end-of-life conversations. The program staff trained standardized patients (SPs) to act as bereaved family members. The SPs traveled to Penn Medicine practice locations to co-lead large group workshops and perform realistic one-on-one encounters with clinicians. This live, experiential learning enabled hospice employees to receive individualized feedback from the caregivers' perspective and ultimately have more productive and empathic interactions with real-life patients and family members in the Penn community.

Catherine Hagele, Perelman School of Medicine

Denise LaMarra, Perelman School of Medicine

Cori Maskart, Perelman School of Medicine

Janice Radway, Perelman School of Medicine

Pillars of Excellence Award

The Pillars of Excellence honorees are being recognized for the strong foundation and important contributions provided by staff in support roles. They are pillars of the institution. We received 23 nominations in this category. Four are being honored this year.

Timothy Grogan, Facilities and Real Estate Services

For more than three decades, Timothy Grogan has demonstrated uncommon leadership, innovation, and service as an Electrician Chargeperson in Facilities and Real Estate Services. His expertise ensures the flawless execution of major University events — from Commencement and Convocation to athletic competitions and Irvine Auditorium performances. His forward-thinking approach to technology and safety has enhanced system reliability, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened collaboration across departments, making him an indispensable contributor to Penn’s mission and community.

Molecular Pathology & Imaging Core (MPIC) Team

The MPIC Team consistently demonstrates exceptional initiative and technical expertise, achieving outstanding results with remarkable efficiency and precision in histology, the microscopic study of living tissue. Their dedication ensures the success of many of Penn’s most complex and demanding research projects. Many researchers, vendors, and collaborators seek out MPIC specifically because of their exemplary support. These colleagues highly respect the MPIC Team’s professionalism, reliability, and collaborative spirit. By embracing new technologies and expertly navigating challenging week-long protocols, the MPIC Team embodies service excellence and is invaluable in advancing Penn’s research mission.

Rebecca Ly, Perelman School of Medicine

Jem Palma, Perelman School of Medicine

Caitlyn Molony, School of Veterinary Medicine

As the Head Veterinary Nurse for Penn Vet’s colonies of dogs and cats with ultra-rare human genetic diseases, Caitlyn Molony plays a vital role in developing treatments that may help fight these illnesses in children. Caitlyn supervises a team of part-time veterinary and undergraduate assistants to provide daily medical management of these uncommon and fragile animals. She has an extraordinary ability to take independent initiative while always coordinating her actions with the faculty. Caitlyn’s insightful clinical observations and commitment to quality ensure that the animals receive the best care.

PARCC: Doubling Penn’s Computing Power to Drive Innovation

In under two years, the team created the Penn Advanced Research Computing Center (PARCC), one of the most ambitious academic computing resources in the country. The system can perform over eight quadrillion calculations per second and is expected to be listed among the world’s TOP 500-class supercomputers. Optimizing an investment of $25 million, PARCC harnesses advanced processors, ultra-fast networks, and five petabytes of storage to support multi-disciplinary research, including AI. It replaced fragmented systems with a resource open to all Penn schools and launched a cohort-based training model that helps new users learn together. PARCC positions Penn to accelerate innovation across disciplines.

Dawn Augustino, Executive Vice President

Jeffrey Ballentine, Information Systems and Computing

Marta Bartholomew, Provost’s Center

Michael Borda, Provost’s Center

Christine Brisson, School of Arts and Sciences

Kenneth Chaney, Provost’s Center

David Cohen, Information Systems and Computing

Amy Collins, Provost’s Center

Jaime Combariza, Provost’s Center

Keith Duvall, Information Systems and Computing

Jeffrey Edwards, Information Systems and Computing

Steven Fredricks, Information Systems and Computing

Garick Hamlin, Information Systems and Computing

Tiffany Hanulec, Information Systems and Computing

Corinn Harrell, School of Arts and Sciences

Gregory Hartley, Information Systems and Computing

Monica Heater, Provost’s Center

Lokke Highstein, School of Arts and Sciences

Chris Hyzer, Information Systems and Computing

Donna Jacobs, Information Systems and Computing

Rick Kahley, Division of Finance

John Lee, Information Systems and Computing

Steven Mak, Information Systems and Computing

Chris Masotti, Perelman School of Medicine

Michael Matthews, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Andrea Mazzucchi, School of Arts and Sciences

David Mongeluzi, Information Systems and Computing

John O’Brien, Information Systems and Computing

Daniel Prante, Information Systems and Computing

Reni Roberts, Information Systems and Computing

Jamie Schnaitter, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Dave Tarampi, Information Systems and Computing

Kristofor Varhus, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Tony White, Information Systems and Computing

Daniel Widyono, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Monesa Williams, Provost’s Center

Model Supervisor Award

The Model Supervisor category received 16 nominations for 2026. Three are being honored for acting as leaders who serve while inspiring i remarkable performances from their teams.

Marc Felice, Provost’s Center

Marc Felice, Associate Director of Imaging Physics and Radiation Safety, Environmental Health and Radiation Safety, is a skilled leader who creates pathways for his team’s professional growth and provides exemplary mentorship to the diagnostic medical physicists he supervises. Marc played an integral part in the creation of the Imaging Physics Residency Program at Penn, which provides clinical training to the next generation of diagnostic medical physicists. Marc works diligently to ensure that radiation is used safely in research and clinical spaces throughout the University, Penn Medicine, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Elaine Papas Varas, Division of Finance

Elaine Papas Varas, Senior University Director of Student Financial Aid, is a visionary leader whose compassionate and student-centered approach has transformed financial aid and student support. She helped create Penn’s Highly Aided Initiatives. This program has expanded resources for students, providing essentials like laptops, health insurance, and internship funding. Program participation has grown from 800 to 1,450 students. Elaine also revamped the service model for Graduate Aid, improving performance and satisfaction across schools. Amid unprecedented federal changes, her proactive communication and steady leadership have upheld excellence, access, and affordability, making Penn’s financial aid program a national model of innovation.

Lily Zhang, Penn Global

Lily Zhang, Director of Advising, Compliance, IT, and Operations in the International Student and Scholar Services Office of Penn Global, is a driving force behind Penn’s success in immigration compliance and technological innovation. She has led transformative initiatives that modernized systems, streamlined regulatory processes, and enhanced service delivery for international students and scholars. Her strategic use of technology has improved efficiency and transparency, while her deep expertise in compliance ensures Penn remains a trusted institution for global engagement. Lily’s leadership consistently fosters collaboration, precision, and forward-thinking solutions.

If you have any questions about the program or the awards ceremony, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/models or feel free to contact Karen Kille, Director, Quality of Work-Life Programs, Human Resources at karener@upenn.edu or (215) 898-7729.

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Building Emotional Strength and Flexibility

Even in the best of times, life presents us with complex choices, changes, and challenges. That’s when our capacity to adapt becomes crucial to our well-being and sense of progress.

To strengthen your resilience skills, bring your best to valuable relationships, and fulfill your work and personal goals, Penn is offering a series of virtual resilience workshops March 26 through May 7. Led by Dr. Karen Reivich, Director of Resilience and Positive Psychology Training Programs at Penn’s groundbreaking Positive Psychology Center, these 90-minute sessions help you develop skills that are proven to increase well-being, improve interpersonal connections, and help you grow as an individual.

Attend the whole series or select the sessions that best fit your interests and schedule. Registration is free to Penn faculty, staff, and postdocs.

Resilience and Optimism, March 26, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Discuss the building blocks of resilience, with a focus on developing the mindset of optimism. You will also learn the six core strategies of optimism that further our ability to navigate challenges and grow through the demanding situations we confront.

Avoiding Thinking Traps, April 9, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
This session will address common thinking patterns that undercut our well-being and ability to respond effectively to challenging situations. You’ll also learn simple strategies to break counterproductive habits of thinking.

Positive Emotions, April 23, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Explore the importance of positive emotions in managing stress and creating energy in our lives, as well as how to identify and navigate barriers that get in the way of experiencing more joy, curiosity, awe, and other positive emotions.

Joy Multiplier, May 7, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The last session examines communication styles that either build or erode trust. You’ll discuss how to strengthen relationships by responding with authentic engagement to other people’s positive experiences.

Discover more personal and professional development programs on the HR website.

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A Solid Foothold in Management

Are you moving into a managerial position? Do you have a direct report who’s becoming a manager? Find out how to make or assist in the transition with help from Penn’s Essentials of Management (EOM) program.

EOM is accepting a new cohort of supervisors and managers for this on-campus nine-session program, which runs April 14 through June 16. EOM is designed to give staff leaders a solid foundation in effective management and leadership practices at Penn.

About EOM

EOM combines on-campus classes with independent assignments that teach managers the fundamentals of successfully guiding individual employees and teams at the University.

“This leadership development program is an opportunity for participants to strengthen their management capabilities across the employee lifecycle – from interviewing and hiring to development, engagement, and performance management,” said Manroocha Singh, Talent and Organizational Development Consultant, who will be leading the sessions.

Understanding Interaction

In addition to these in-person classes, EOM includes a combined DiSC/Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment with a one-on-one coaching debrief, helping participants understand how their individual management style influences their interaction with others. Plus, the program gives you a unique opportunity to network with peers across schools and centers.

“Participants will work through different management case studies throughout the sessions to explore different strategies to support their evolving teams,” said Singh. “One of the most appreciated parts of Essentials of Management is the network of peer managers that participants build throughout the sessions. Each week is an opportunity to learn about best practices from folks across campus.”

Each session focuses on these crucial components of effective management:

• Session 1: Introduction to Managing Staff Throughout the Employee Lifecycle – April 14
• Session 2: Interviewing and Selecting the Best Candidate – April 21
• Session 3: Interpreting Policies and Identifying Legal Issues in Employment – April 28
• Session 4: Delivering Effective Communications with DiSC – May 5
• Session 5: Positive Employee Relations and Employee Engagement – May 12
• Session 6: Managing Performance and Quality of Work Life – May 19
• Session 7: Fostering Safety in the Workplace – June 4
• Session 8: Creating a Respectful Workplace – June 9
• Session 9: Intercultural Communication and Finale – June 16

IMPORTANT: All spring 2026 EOM participants need to complete the prerequisite Getting to Know Penn as a Manager: New Leader Assimilation Training course on Workday Learning before April 14.

Space is limited, so enroll in EOM now on Workday Learning to reserve your place in the next spring cohort.

On-campus classes will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All classes will take place at 3624 Market St., except for Session 7, which will be held at 4040 Chestnut St.

There is a $500 cost for participating in EOM. This fee will be charged to the participant's department and goes toward the DiSC and MBTI assessments and debriefing. Once you enroll for the course on Workday, your manager will be sent a notification through Workday to approve your enrolment.

For more professional development programs, visit the Learn & Grow section of the Human Resources website.

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Healthy Meals: Herb Citrus Quinoa

Herb Citrus Quinoa is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines protein-rich quinoa with the bright flavors of citrus and herbs. Thanks to this recipe from Ramp Health, you can enjoy fluffy grains tossed with fresh herbs and zesty lemon or juicy orange. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or baked salmon for a light yet satisfying meal.

Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon or 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Turn off heat. Fluff quinoa with a fork. Stir in olive oil, citrus zest, and citrus juice.
4. Add parsley or cilantro, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm as a side dish under fish, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

Meet With a Registered Dietitian Today!

• One-on-one, virtual sessions you can schedule at any time that works for you
• 100% covered under many insurance plans
• Available to spouses and dependents
• Fill out the Ramp Health Nutrition Counseling Sign Up Form or call 800-484-7720.

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Did You Know: March Is National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of making informed food choices, developing sound eating habits, and understanding food’s connection to physical activity. Penn offers resources and tools through Ramp Health and the WebMD platform to help you, plus you can earn Be in the Know points and rewards. Through Ramp Health you can meet with a registered dietitian for trusted nutrition counseling. WebMD offers tools like health coaches, Side Quests challenges, plus an extensive content library.