Performance Management

Performance Management

Kansas State University is on a mission to lead as a next-generation land-grant university. We're setting the standard by championing a culture of innovation, learning, creativity, discovery and engagement. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on society and transform lives both in Kansas and around the world. K-State recognizes the importance of investing in our workforce and talent management strategies to achieve our vision. We are committed to building and sustaining a next-generation workforce that reflects our values and drives our mission forward.

Our performance management process is designed to align with our aspiration of being One K-State. This unified approach supports a culture that binds and connects us, prioritizing operational excellence at every level. Please note that this process specifically applies to all university support staff and unclassified employees. Faculty, temporary and student employees are not reviewed through this process. The evaluation needs and employment conditions for these groups differ significantly from those of regular staff members. If you are in one of these categories, please consult your specific guidelines or contact your department for appropriate evaluation procedures. Please visit the Performance Management strategic initiative webpage to learn about the project objectives and methodology that informed our process.

On-demand touchpoints

As of October 5, a new On-Demand touchpoint is available in ADP Talent. Unlike scheduled reviews, an On-Demand touchpoint can be initiated at any time by either a supervisor or a staff member who would like additional feedback on performance.

To learn how to start an On-Demand touchpoint, review the On-Demand Touchpoint Job Aid or watch the On-Demand Touchpoint Video that can be found on the HR website.

End-of-year evaluations launch November 1

End-of-year performance evaluations will open in the system on November 1. To prepare, we encourage supervisors and staff to work together now to transfer the information outlined in the planning document into ADP Talent.

  • Core Responsibilities/Objectives: This short video walks you through how to create a goal on the Core Responsibilities/Objectives tab in ADP Talent. Core responsibilities/Objectives added after November 1st can be manually imported into the end-of-year evaluation form.
  • Professional Development Interests and Plans: Please transfer these items to the Professional Development tab in ADP Talent before November 1. Professional development activities saved before November 1 will automatically import into the end-of-year evaluation; activities saved after November 1 cannot be imported into the evaluation.

Having this information in the system before November 1 will make the end-of-year conversation smoother and ensure evaluations reflect the expectations set at the start of the year.

A few reminders as you prepare:

  • The system works with any modern browser. There is no special software required.
  • You'll log in using your standard K-State eID and password.
  • Supervisors: if you notice any direct reports missing from your team, please email talentappsadmin@ksu.edu.
  • Additional resources, including job aids and training opportunities, are available on the HR webpage.

Deadline: To give supervisors and staff adequate time to learn the new system, the deadline for submitting an overall rating on end-of-year evaluations has been extended to February 28, 2027. Beginning with the 2027 performance cycle, end-of-year evaluations will return to our normal timeline, with a deadline of January 31.

Training: Virtual training sessions will be available via Zoom for all staff and supervisors. Please register for a virtual session or in-person session which will take place in October, November, December, and January. Dates and locations for the in-person sessions will be shared once finalized.

The first 15 minutes of each session will cover how to complete a self-evaluation in the new performance management system. The remaining time will focus on helping supervisors conduct effective year-end reviews.

If you have any difficulty accessing or navigating the system, please reach out to talentappsadmin@ksu.edu.