The performance appraisal process is designed to encourage open discussion between campus managers and employees to review progress, establish priorities and discuss career development opportunities across the campus. The first step in this process is to complete your self-assessment.
To access your self-assessment, log into MyCanisius and click on applications-HR Appraisal. You will be able to access your self-assessment information.
- Once an employee submits the self-assessment, it will be available to the manager to utilize in preparing the performance appraisal.
- Self-assessments are designed to facilitate the performance discussion. An employee will complete the appropriate form and it will be forwarded to the manager.
- The manager will complete the performance appraisal and then schedule a meeting to review the details and finalize goals for the next year. Once completed, the manager will then submit the appraisal.
- The employee will receive the final document and add comments and sign to acknowledge the appraisal was received and reviewed.
- The appraisal will be available to view at the vice president level.
Self-assessments must be completed by Friday, June 28. Managers should complete all performance appraisals by Monday, August 5.
Self-assessment preparation tips:
Gather your thoughts – The self-assessment is a critical tool for fostering conversation and improving communication with managers and peers. Self-assessments provide employees with the opportunity to analyze strengths and weaknesses in the context of a formal performance appraisal. Discuss what important projects have been completed, share new skills and techniques acquired, and highlight work that has been done since the last performance appraisal.
Tell your story – The main goal of the self-assessment is to highlight your accomplishments. Employees need to ensure that the work they are most proud of is highlighted in the self-assessment. Point to specific tasks and projects that highlight your best work. When describing those accomplishments, be sure to emphasize the impact each of those achievements had on the college as a whole. Accomplishments listed should connect with college objectives.
Be concise – While employees might be inclined to write about each step of the successful project or task, it’s best to be brief. The work should stand on its own.
Be honest – Honesty is another critical aspect of writing a self-assessment. It’s more than likely that the manager knows when a good job was done, so trying to highlight a project or task that was just OK, rather than great, won’t have much impact. Part of being honest also means pointing out some areas that could be improved.
Think about career development – Use the self-assessment as a time to communicate career development interests. Be proactive and think clearly about your short and long term career interests and what you need to get there.
Communicate openly with your manager – Finally, if the performance appraisal process reveals weaknesses that may be holding you back, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Admitting your weaknesses in addition to asking for constructive feedback from managers can help cultivate strong work relationships.
If you have any questions, contact Linda Walleshauser, associate vice president for human resources and compliance/interim Title IX coordinator, at Ext. 2244 or walleshl@canisius.edu or Jennifer Skowron, assistant director for human resources, at Ext. 2247 or skowronj@canisius.edu.
Submitted by: Linda M. Walleshauser, associate vice president, Human Resources and Compliance/Interim Title IX Coordinator
