Performance Standards (UCSD Campuswide)

Read about the UCSD Standards on which performance appraisals are based.

The Performance Appraisal and Development form includes the task statements for the four UCSD standards (e.g., under Diversity, "Ensures policies, practices, services, and behaviors that support and accept diversity"). Newly revised forms also include a fifth group of standards for supervisors and managers.

The instructions below indicate the standard for "solid performance." An employee may achieve performance that exceeds expectations. Provide one rating for each area in the first four categories. For the standards for designated supervisors and managers, rate each of the four sections.

The UCSD Principles of Community

". . . to foster the best possible working and learning environment, UCSD strives to maintain a climate of fairness, cooperation, and professionalism. UCSD faculty, staff, and students are expected to support, integrate and practice these basic principles as individuals and in groups…" (stated in part)

• Understands the significance of the UCSD Principles of Community
  • Solid performance will be demonstrated when each employee's behavior reflects The UCSD Principles of Community.
• Ensures that the significance of the UCSD Principles of Community is integrated into operational activities within the manager's and supervisors' area of responsibility
  • (For managers and supervisors only.) Solid performance will be demonstrated when managers and supervisors communicate and affirm, verbally and in writing, the UCSD Principles of Community to employees and others, as appropriate.

Diversity

A general term for indicating that many people with many differences are present, welcome, and productive in an organization. Diversity refers to culture, race, ethnicity, language, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation.

• Ensures that policies, practices, services, and behaviors support and accept diversity
  • (For managers and supervisors only.) Solid performance will be demonstrated when the manager reviews, assesses, modifies, applies and monitors policies, practices, services, and behaviors to ensure that they benefit diversity.
• Ensures that all employees participate in training that supports diversity
  • Solid performance will be demonstrated when, during the performance review cycle, all employees participate in an activity (e.g., training course, workshop, presentation, dialogue with supervisor, cross-cultural program) designed to foster awareness and assist employee performance in a culturally diverse environment.
• Ensures a diverse work force
  • Solid performance will be demonstrated when the conduct of outreach and recruitment and the development of employees support diversity. Additionally, when given the opportunity, the composition of staff, supervisors and managers, and the formation of work project teams, support diversity.

Health and safety

Safety and environmental issues are essential elements of ensuring the continued success of UCSD and its employees. As with any progressive organization, UCSD's primary strength is its people, the many individuals that comprise the faculty, staff, and student populations. To ensure that these individuals have a chance to contribute to the university's mission, each must be afforded a safe, healthy and environmentally sound workplace.

• Ensures that policies, practices, services, and behaviors support accepted safety, health, and environmental standards.
  • Solid performance will be demonstrated when employees observe safety and environmental compliance standards by practicing safe behaviors and by reporting hazardous conditions.
• Managers and supervisors ensure that all employees participate in safety, health, and environmental protection, and receive appropriate training.
  • (For managers and supervisors only.) Solid performance will be demonstrated when all employees participate in appropriate activities (e.g., training course, workshop, presentation, dialogue with supervisor) designed to foster awareness and assist employees to work safely without degrading the environment.

Customer service

UCSD is a large, complex organization with many internal and external customers. UCSD has an organizational philosophy to provide the best possible products and services.

• Identifies customer: Everyone is a customer who directly and indirectly receives knowledge, services, products, and information from the UCSD community. Solid performance will be demonstrated when employees identify their customers.
• Ensures customer satisfaction: At UCSD, we foster positive partnerships with our customers that recognize their perceptions of urgency and preferences, understand their expectations, and respond consistently with the highest possible levels of service.
• Solid performance will be demonstrated when employees respond to their customers' requests or provide alternatives and referrals in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates the valuing of employees: At UCSD, we value, recognize, and acknowledge our employees. We encourage the alignment of employee values and job performance to support customer satisfaction. Therefore, employee morale and job satisfaction are essential to outstanding customer service.
  • (For managers and supervisors only):
    • Solid performance will be demonstrated when managers and supervisors have an established process to support, recognize, and acknowledge employees for their customer services.
    • Solid performance will be demonstrated when employees follow established customer service practices and show personal commitment to customer satisfaction.

Supervision (for managers and supervisors only):

UCSD managers and designated supervisors play a crucial leadership role ensuring the effectiveness and productivity of their units. Their job is to inspire and support employees to achieve the mission and goals of the university. Supervisors demonstrate effective supervision by performance consistent with campuswide standards for the UCSD Principles of Community, diversity, health and safety, and customer service, and for the following:

• Leadership: Creating a climate of trust and mutual respect; increasing the potential for employees to be productive and to feel welcome, valued, and motivated. Solid performance will be demonstrated when supervisors or managers:
  • Align their practices with the mission and values of their organizations, and discuss them with their employees at least annually
  • Exhibit ethical leadership and model the conduct they expect from those they lead
  • Perform their duties with honesty, accountability, fairness, and professionalism
  • Undertake efforts to create a workplace climate consistent with the UCSD Principles of Community
  • Exhibit caring, responsiveness, flexibility, and effective communication skills

• Performance management: Managing employee performance in alignment with the mission and goals of the department or unit and consistent with relevant policies and collective bargaining agreements. Solid performance will be demonstrated when supervisors or managers:
  • Include employees in these processes
  • Develop and communicate the goals of the unit or department and strategies for achieving them
  • Clarify the roles of their employees in current job descriptions
  • Develop and clearly explain performance expectations
  • Provide timely and objective feedback about performance
  • Conduct constructive annual performance appraisals
  • Discuss learning and development options with their staff at least annually
  • Provide reasonable support for professional development in accord with university policy, collective bargaining agreements, and the UCSD Values for Learning and Professional Development
  • Encourage employee growth by supporting responsible initiative and innovation as appropriate learning experiences
  • Address employee performance problems in consultation with the appropriate UCSD authorities, consistent with university policies and collective bargaining agreements

• Organizational accountability: Delegating authority consistent with the UCSD Principles of Accountability. Solid performance will be demonstrated when supervisors or managers:
  • Delegate tasks to qualified employees and create structures to ensure oversight and accountability without conflict of interest
  • Review delegations regularly to confirm that records kept are accurate, complete, current, and secure

• Resource management and planning: Managing available resources efficiently to provide the best services possible while enabling employees to achieve their work goals. Solid performance will be demonstrated when supervisors or managers:
  • Analyze and project needs effectively
  • Allocate and manage resources efficiently
  • Assign work equitably according to the priorities of the unit or department