03/24/2021
By Lauren Turner

Typically, the performance management cycle for staff begins each year in April, so for this cycle, the performance period being evaluated is April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. This past year has been far from typical as we have faced many challenges stemming from the pandemic. We recognize that finding time to complete another task may be challenging. However, the completion of the performance evaluation is important to ensure continual feedback with employees that recognizes their contributions over the past year and identifies opportunities for development.

With our current largely remote work environment, staying connected with employees is more important than ever. We encourage managers/supervisors to focus this year’s performance management cycle on accomplishments and goals, and to particularly reflect on the successes and challenges we faced with COVID-19. For example, what have we learned from our challenges over the past year? Are there changes we’ve made and things we’ve learned that we should build into plans moving forward? Where are opportunities to continue to work together to support more success into the future?

We also encourage employees to take the opportunity, in advance of meeting with your manager/supervisor, to complete their self-evaluation noting their achievements over this past year and goals and objectives for the upcoming year. The university has overcome the many challenges that were presented to us over this past year. Completing a self-evaluation is a great way for employees to share the innovative ideas and strategies they used to help get through the past year and contribute to the university’s success.

Workplace Learning & Development will be offering additional Performance Management workshops for both managers and staff. These workshops provide an overview of the UMass Lowell Performance Planning & Evaluation Program process and guidelines on preparing for and conducting the performance evaluation meeting. 

Performance Planning & Evaluation Program (For Supervisors)
Thursday, April 1, 1 – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, April 7, 10 a.m. – Noon

Performance Planning & Evaluation Program (For Individual Staff Members)
Monday, April 5, 1 to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, April 13, 10 a.m. – Noon

Please visit our website to register for the session of your choice. Zoom information will be provided upon receipt of registration.

Performance evaluation forms are available on our website and are included below in a printable .doc format for your convenience.

  • Performance Planning & Evaluation (editable .doc)
  • Performance Notes (editable .doc)
  • Employee Self-Evaluation Worksheet (editable .doc)
  • Performance Development Plan (editable .doc)

Please be sure to review the UMass Lowell Performance Management Reference Guide (pdf) and the Performance Management timeline.

With the university working remotely, we are not requiring signatures on evaluation forms, but ask that the employee, supervisor and department head each type their name on the lines provided indicating that they have reviewed the completed forms. Forms can be saved as a Word document or PDF. Completed forms should be emailed directly to Tricia_Ciampa@uml.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that this process is successful for all staff and managers. If you feel you need assistance, have questions or need additional time to complete this year performance evaluation, please contact Ruby Carnevale at 978-934-3464.