*IMPORTANT:
The appraisal process closes June 12th at 9:00 PM PST. There shall be no extensions to this date. If no appraisal is completed for a GSI/merit-eligible employee by this deadline, the performance rating will automatically default to 'Successfully Met Expectations (SME)'. If an appraisal was started, but not complete, the system will capture the information ‘as-is’ and the appraisal will become final (ratings, narratives, goals) on June 12th.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL TIMELINE 2025-2026
Cycle: April 1 - March 31
| PROCESS STEP | DUE DATE |
|---|---|
| Summary of Accomplishments Process Opens | March 2nd |
| Appraisal Process Opens | March 2nd |
| Employee Submits Summary of Accomplishments | April 6th at 9:00 PM PST NO EXTENTIONS |
| Manager Completes Employee Appraisal & Submit to HR for Review (HR review required for overall rating of 'Met Some Expectations’ and ‘Met Few Expectations’) |
April 17th NO EXTENTIONS |
| HR Provides Feedback on Appraisals (if any) | April 17th – April 24th |
| Calibration Reports Issued (HR Distributes Divisional/School Overall Ratings Report) |
May 1st |
| Calibration Review | May 1st – May 11th |
| Appraisals Released to Managers | May 13th |
| Manager Meets With Employee & Adds Final Comments | May 14th – May 29th |
| Employee Writes Final Comments & Signs Appraisal | May 29th – June 5th |
| Manager Reviews Employee Comments & Signs Appraisal | June 5th – June 12th |
| System Closes | June 12th at 9:00 PM PST NO EXTENTIONS |
Important Considerations for Completing the Appraisal Process
Performance appraisals are required annually for all employees under applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and university policy. If an appraisal is not completed and issued by the campus-established deadline, the employee’s performance rating will default to 'Successfully Met Expectations (SME)', unless there is a bona fide reason for the delay, such as an approved leave of absence (LOA) or other legitimate business need.
We recognize that planned or unforeseen absences may affect the appraisal process. Supervisors are encouraged to plan ahead when a planned LOA is known, coordinating with their Employee Relations Representative to issue the appraisal outside of Saba/Cornerstone if necessary. For guidance on completing appraisals outside the Saba/Cornerstone system, including situations involving bona fide or unexpected absences, please refer to our FAQs.
What Constitutes an Incomplete Appraisal?
An appraisal is considered incomplete if:
- It is never started.
- It is initiated but not fully completed – for example, if a manager assigns a rating but does not finalize the appraisal or meet with the employee to issue it.
In either case, the employee’s performance rating will default to ‘Successfully Met Expectations (SME).’
Department Heads may designate Department specific deadlines. Departmental deadlines may not interfere with the HR submission date and must account for system close date.
*Career employees hired after January 1st of the current year will not receive an annual appraisal. Employees hired after January 1st should receive performance feedback during their mid-probation assessment.
