The Daily Bulletin

Annual performance evaluations for all professional and civil service employees are required by Buffalo State, SUNY, and state civil service policy as well as all collective bargaining unit agreements.

Interim President Durand has communicated to the campus community that she considers performance programs and evaluations to be a primary responsibility of all supervisors, and it is her expectation that these be done each year for all employees. We rely on supervisors to provide honest and constructive feedback to staff members to assist them in addressing any performance issues and to provide positive commentary where appropriate to motivate and encourage excellent performance. Supervisors should be aware that fulfilling this important responsibility will be considered in decisions to award discretionary increases, promotions, and other personnel actions.

The evaluation cycle for professional employees with permanent appointment and for Management Confidential employees is July 1–June 30 of each year, which aligns with the cycle for annual reports. The evaluation cycle for classified employees with permanent appointment is April 1–March 31 of each year. Human Resource Management tracks and records completed performance evaluations for all employees. If you need a copy of the performance documents on file, please reach out to your Vice President’s office.

Employees with probationary or term appointments should be evaluated on cycles beginning with the date of appointment. Human Resource Management will remind supervisors when evaluations or recommendations related to probationary and term appointments are required.

Evaluations should be based on a current performance program that clarifies job expectations and goals for the following year. Job descriptions should be reviewed each year and updated as appropriate. Please ensure that this information is current for your professional and civil service employees.

Managing employee performance with job descriptions, performance programs, and evaluations is an ongoing process of communication between a supervisor and an employee and provides an opportunity to address issues in a timely fashion and to more effectively foster employee development. By clarifying job expectations, responsibilities, and providing specific feedback, you enhance your staff's ability to be successful in their work and meet expected outcomes and goals.

Information and forms on the performance evaluation process is available on the Human Resource Management website.

On the BizLibrary home page you will find a playlist titled “For Supervisors: Performance Evaluation & Setting Goals”. These short videos provide guidance pertaining to performance management/evaluations and creating SMART goals.

As a reminder, The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs shared information relating to the individual faculty and librarian report and the respective due date.

If you have questions or need assistance with employee evaluations, please contact Human Resource Management at hr@buffalostate.edu.

Thank you for your cooperation in this important process.