Workday Staff Performance Appraisal Pilot

Talent Development is implementing a new, enhanced staff performance appraisal process - powered by Workday! The new process isn't just about efficiency; it's about building a more effective, consistent, and strategically alilgned performance evaluation system for staff across the university.

A pilot program is underway to test the process before broader implementation.

The pilot group includes over 500 participants from the following departments, representing an outstanding cross-section of expertise and perspectives: 

  • Information & Technology Services (ITS/CIO)

  • RIT Dining

  • Golisano Institute for Sustainability (non-faculty)

  • RIT Libraries

  • Human Resources

  • Center for Teaching and Learning

  • Office of the Provost, Budget, Planning and Administration

  • Saunders College of Business, Student Services

  • RIT Certified

Resources for Pilot Leaders

Coming Soon!

Resources for Pilot Staff

Updated Staff Performance Appraisal Policy

The Staff Performance Appraisal Policy was revised and approved by University Council on February 11, 2026. Faculty appraisal processes are not included in this update. The updated policy formalizes a phased transition to Workday and adoption of a revised rating scale. The revised policy is effective as of the approval date for participants in the Workday PA Pilot.

All non-pilot staff should continue to use their current templates, timelines, processes, and the existing five-point rating scale. 

Frequently Asked Questions

You can expect the following support and resources from Talent Development:

  • Regular Communications: Timely updates about what to expect and the overall timeline.
  • Training: Live, virtual training sessions in March 2026 to introduce the new Workday process step-by-step, highlight changes, answer your questions, and provide support.
  • Comprehensive Resources: Access to tools and guides on how to enter goals, draft self-appraisals, and manage performance conversations in Workday.
  • Dedicated Support: Open communication channels and on-demand tools to help you optimize your experience, including a dedicated, monitored email address for support (WorkdayPAprocess@rit.edu).
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Opportunities to share your experience and insights through surveys and feedback forms. 

Pilot participants will use a four‑point rating scale that was approved by University governance groups and formally adopted into policy by University Council on February 11, 2026. The updated policy includes the full rating definitions and key performance indicators. These materials will be shared with all pilot participants and are linked on this webpage.

No. The pilot is focused on the process of managing and documenting performance in Workday. Your performance goals will not change as a result of this pilot. You will, however, document your FY2026 performance goals in Workday as part of the pilot process, and you will receive training on how to do that in March 2026. 

No. Only employees with six months or more of service at RIT require a formal performance appraisal. For the pilot's purposes, this will mean at least six months of service as of April 20, 2026. However, for newer employees (less than six months), managers should still meet with them to collaboratively establish goals and discuss performance objectives and development plans. 

The Workday staff performance appraisal template includes a question asking to describe how well the essential duties and responsibilities of the role (i.e.the ongoing day-to-day functions outlined in the job profile) were performed during the appraisal period.  

Your feedback is the most important part of this pilot. All of your insights, whether from surveys, forms, or direct communication, will be used to make refinements and adjustments to the program before it is rolled out to the entire university. 

Talent Development will provide clear guidance on how to report any technical issues during the pilot. We have established dedicated support channels to ensure a smooth experience for all participants.