Performance reviews play an important role for strengthening communication between managers and direct reports at TCU. Performance conversations throughout the year help sustain learning and growth, while also identifying where people can benefit from support, skill-building or new and interesting opportunities in their role and on campus. These conversations are about much more than setting goals!
Aligned with Academic Year
The cycle dates will coincide with the academic year instead of the calendar year. While some managers use time during winter
break to write reviews, most report a preference not to have to worry about them during
that time. HR is also aware that a number of departments prefer setting goals and achieving outcomes
within the school year.
Meaningful Method to Capture Check-Ins
Prior years included two Goal Check-Ins during the year however lacked an easy way to capture these meetings. As a result, some managers found themselves writing look-back
Reviews without benchmarks along the way. Direct reports also had limited feedback
from Managers available to demonstrate accomplishments and improvements in their Self-Evaluations.
Streamlined Final Review
In the past, the final review involved rating competencies and multiple comment boxes,
plus options to upload documents or link Page Up Journal entries. In the new process,
managers can revisit ratings and any comments from Check Ins and include them in the
final review. The Final Review involves rating the competencies and one comment box.
Options to upload and link remain.
Extended Timeframe for Transition Year
For 2025-2026, staff will have an extended cycle to transition to the new timeline. This includes a Summer Check-In, which goes away in 2026. As a reminder, goals can be updated at any time up to, and including, during Self-Evaluations.
The dates for this transition year are:
- Goal Setting – April 1 – August 31, 2025
- Summer Check In – June 1 – July 31, 2025
- Fall Check-In – October 1—December 15, 2025
- Spring Check-In – February 1 – April 14, 2026
- Self-Evaluations – April 15 – May 31, 2026
- Manager Review & Meetings – June 1 – July 31, 2026
- Goal Setting - August 1 - September 30, 2026
Going Forward in 2026
Starting August 1, 2026, the cycle will align with TCU’s academic year. Goal Setting will begin in August, there will be Fall and Spring Check-Ins, and Self-Evaluations due at the end of May. The Manager Review & Meeting will be wrapped up by the end of Summer (July 31).
Keep a look out for more about the 2025/2026 staff performance cycle improvements plus tips and resources to develop closer teams, confident managers and capable colleagues, campus wide.
Successful performance development hinges on the valuable time managers and team members spend together discussing department
and individual goal and identifying ways to find professional satisfaction in the work being done. Since most departments set goals based on the academic year,
shifting performance to align similarly should make these discussions easier!
Visit the Performing & Developing web page for additional information and resources.
Questions? Contact us at hrperformancemanagement@tcu.edu.