Rice University continues to prioritize employee growth and organizational excellence by refining the performance management process for the FY26 cycle (March 2025–March 2026). Building on last year’s alignment of the performance timeline with the annual merit pay cycle, Human Resources (HR) is introducing new technology enhancements that simplify tracking, managing, and reporting performance data—empowering supervisors and staff to focus on what matters most: development, recognition, and progress.
Key Enhancements for Performance Management
While iO will play a central role in facilitating the process, think of the platform as a digital filing cabinet—an interface to upload and manage your performance activities in one place, increasing organization and transparency.
The iO platform contains the following features that will help staff and supervisors document and organize their performance-related activities:
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SMART Goal Interface: Use the goal-setting framework to record clear, measurable goals and share them with your team.
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Digitized Workflows: Step-by-step prompts help guide the recording of performance activities, such as check-ins and evaluations, making it easier to stay on track throughout the cycle.
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Real-Time Feedback and Coaching: Engage in regular, in-the-moment feedback and coaching to support continuous development—then document those interactions for future reference.
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Data-Driven Insights and Manager Dashboards: Managers can access performance summaries and progress updates based on the data entered, helping guide conversations and inform decisions.
What to Expect
The performance management cycle will now unfold over a 12-month period that begins in March of each year. Employees can look forward to:
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Goal Setting: Establishing clear, aligned goals using the SMART goal framework.
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Quarterly Check-Ins: Engaging in two-way conversations to assess progress and adjust goals as needed.
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Ongoing Feedback: Leveraging the digital platform to provide and receive real-time feedback.
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Manager Dashboards: Using data insights to track team progress and guide decision-making.
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Annual Performance Evaluations: Conducting comprehensive assessments that connect performance outcomes with merit-based pay decisions.
To learn more about these updates, contact the HR team at OTD@rice.edu, or visit the Performance Management webpage, where you’ll find detailed guides, training opportunities, and upcoming office hours.