Performance Management at NIU

Resources for evaluations and how to submit them.

This page is the home for NIU’s annual performance evaluation process. Here you will find the resources to build and deliver each evaluation, and instructions for the ePerformance Collection Tool, where the finished record is submitted. You can complete your evaluation entirely within the ePerformance Collection Tool. If you prefer to use an existing or develop new evaluation form with traditional performance factors, complete the form outside the system and attach it to your evaluation submission. The tool collects the record so that all staff at the university are evaluated on the same cycle and each year’s record is kept in one place.

Cycle status · FY26 annual cycle

The annual cycle is open

Documents were created August 5. Employee self-evaluations are due August 31; manager evaluations are due October 31.

Automatic reminders before each deadline: 21 days14 days7 days

New Evaluation Process - The Big Picture

1. Prepare

The ePerformance Collection tool within MyNIU Human Resource System will capture all the information related to employee performance. Evaluation forms are no longer required and won’t be mailed by HRS. If your department wants to continue using the performance factors it used in the past, feel free to use these resources to help you.

2. Evaluate and Connect

Within the ePerformance Collection Tool enter the overall rating and comment sections, and upload a completed evaluation form of your choice, (if applicable). Meet face-to-face once the document is shared with both parties and data is visible.

3. Complete the Evaluation

After you have met face-to-face, make changes to the review if needed then have the employee acknowledge receipt inside the ePerformance Collection Tool to document and complete the evaluation.

Who Receives a Document (Year 1)

All SPS and Regular Civil Service employees are evaluated on the annual cycle. In Year 1, the portal includes every SPS employee; Civil Service employees phase in by the cutoff sequence below. Documents are created automatically on August 5. Civil Service employees outside this window phase in on the next cycles — their evaluations continue under current department practice until their portal document is created.

SPS

Supportive Professional Staff

  • All active SPS employees are included in Year 1
  • Hired on or before March 31, 2026
Civil Service

Civil ServiceCutoff sequence

Year 1 includes Civil Service employees who meet all of the following:

  • Entry month of July through December
  • Holds certified status
  • Probation completed by March 31, 2026
  • Defined leave exclusions apply

Civil Service employees outside this window phase in on the next cycles.

Probationary

Probationary Employees

  • Evaluated on the probationary track, not the annual document
  • Separate documents at each probation milestone

The Probationary Track

Probationary employees are evaluated through separate, sequential documents, each its own complete evaluation with no internal checkpoints. Contact your HR Partner before the final evaluation if you have concerns, while options are still open.

12-month probation · three documents
5month eval
9month eval
12month final
6-month probation · two documents
3month eval
6month final

Key Dates

Date Milestone
Aug. 5, 2026 Annual documents created within MyNIU Human Resources System.
Aug. 31, 2026 Employee self-evaluations due.
The self-evaluation is optional; when one is completed, it comes first.
Oct. 31, 2026 Manager evaluations due: narrative written, template attached, meeting held, acknowledged, and submitted.
21 / 14 / 7 days Automatic reminder notices before each due date
Questions? Submit a Performance Evaluation request in the HR Service Portal or contact your HR Partner. For coaching on a difficult evaluation or a probationary concern, your HR Partner is there to help.