September 13, 2006

 

TO:         University Benefits Eligible Staff Members

 

FROM:   Bruce L. Mallory, Provost and Executive Vice President

               Dick Cannon, Vice President of Finance and Administration

               Sharon Demers, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources

 

SUBJ:     Performance Management Initiative

 

We are pleased to announce a training program, which is the first step in the launching of the University’s new performance management program.   In support of our continued commitment to performance management, a new approach has been developed and is being introduced to supervisors and employees campus-wide this fall.  We strongly encourage you to attend one of the sessions listed below.

 

Fulfilling the University’s mission of educational and research excellence, along with contributing exemplary service to the extended community rests largely in the hands of our employees.  In recognition of the dedication and hard work of our staff, we must do our utmost to foster their development through effective performance management.  Ann Driscoll, training consultant for UNH Human Resources Professional and Organizational Development programs, will conduct the sessions which will introduce the University’s approach to performance development and excellence, and will provide a review of the ongoing, year-round process regarding employee performance.  The training will include sessions specific to supervisors and sessions specific to employees who do not supervise other staff.

 

This initiative began in February 2005, when a sub-group of participants from Managing@UNH took the initiative to work in conjunction with Human Resources to develop a new, consistent approach to performance management.  A campus philosophy was developed and endorsed by the President’s Cabinet, and a new performance assessment form was created.  Open sessions were held with the staff Councils which lent their support to pilot the program.  Supervisors and employees from nine departments underwent training and utilized the new forms during the 2006 annual performance assessment process.  A confidential survey was then conducted which generated a high rate of return.  Based on the feedback gathered, changes were made to the performance assessment form.

Below is registration information regarding the performance management sessions being offered this fall, beginning the end of September thru mid-November 2006.

 

(1)  For UNH employees responsible for the supervision and/or management of benefits-eligible staff, a two-hour session will be offered. Advance, on-line registration is required (see below).  The two-hour program will include an overview of the University’s approach to performance management and its core components, including why performance management matters at UNH; will explain the process; and will introduce the new form to be implemented for the upcoming annual performance assessment process. All managers and supervisors are strongly encouraged to attend this program so that all are aware of the University’s expectation of managing performance.

 

To register on-line, visit: http://www.cistrainingcenter.unh.edu/hr.html  Please select and register for one (1) session only.  If you are unable to register on-line or have questions regarding the on-line registration process, please contact Christina VanHorn, HR Training Coordinator at 862-0519.

 

The dates and times available for on-line registration are:

 

 

(2)  For UNH employees who are not responsible for the supervision of staff, general information sessions are being offered.  This two-hour program is designed for staff members who receive an annual performance assessment, and covers how you can be an active participant in the process and take more ownership of your professional development.   It will provide an overview of the University’s approach to performance management and its core components, including why performance management matters at UNH; will explain the process; and will introduce the new form to be implemented for the upcoming annual performance assessment process.  All staff members are strongly encouraged to attend this program so that all are aware of your role in the performance assessment process.

 

Advance registration is NOT required for these sessions.  Managers should encourage their employees to attend one of the sessions below:

 

 

 

We are excited to introduce this program which will enable the University to sustain a quality work force.  We are grateful for the efforts of all who were involved in bringing forth this program.