UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For University executives, administrators, academic administrators, and full-time staff employees, the final step of the 2025-26 performance review cycle, the end-of-year review, began on Monday, April 20 and must be completed by Tuesday, June 30.
"Giving and receiving honest, constructive performance feedback is an integral part of career development,” said Christy Helms, senior director of talent management. “I hope that managers and employees will use the end-of-year conversation to reflect on accomplishments and opportunities for growth and development.”
Last year, Penn State shifted the annual goal setting and performance review period to begin in July for University staff, based on feedback Penn State received from employees. The change, which aligns the annual cycle with the fiscal year, is part of an ongoing effort to positively impact the overall employee experience.
The 2025-26 performance year began on April 1, 2025, and runs through June 30, 2026, and includes the months that passed during the transition to the new performance year timeline.
To help employees plan their time during this final phase, a variety of training, video and article resources are available to support this activity:
- Zoom Training: How to Prepare for Your End-of-Year Review — Staff
- Zoom Training: Tips for Making the End-of-Year Review as Effective as Possible — Managers
- Video: How to complete the end-of-year review in Workday
- KB Article: Performance Reviews — End of Year
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In the Learning Resource Network, employees have access to a suite of simulations where they can practice coaching and feedback. You can explore these by visiting CAISY AI Simulations.
Executives, administrators, academic administrators, and full-time staff employees and managers may contact HR Services with questions regarding this year’s performance review cycle by calling 814-865-1473 or by submitting an inquiry via WorkLion.