To: Faculty and staff
From:
Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost
Cheryl Reardon, chief human resources officer and associate vice president
Intent: Inform University of Iowa faculty and staff of the institution's policies on performance reviews, access to personnel files, and employment posters. Please review the information below and bookmark the websites for future reference.
Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Performance Review for University Staff
The 2025-26 performance review cycle is underway. In accordance with university policy, performance reviews for university staff must be completed by March 31, 2026.
The annual performance review process facilitates the professional growth and development of staff members and achievement of department and institutional goals. It is an ongoing process with shared responsibility that begins during onboarding and orientation and continues throughout employment.
The annual performance review discussion is a formal opportunity to review and discuss the progress and accomplishments made during the year and to review position expectations and set goals for the coming year.
For staff outside of UI Health Care, this process should include review and feedback based on the university's three Universal Competencies: Collaboration/Positive Impact; Service Excellence/Customer Focus; and Welcoming and Respectful Environment.
For UI Health Care staff, this process should address the WE CARE Core Values and the Welcoming and Respectful Environment Universal Competency.
Fundamental principles of the process are to support and ensure appropriate performance, encourage continuous developmental growth, and motivate behavioral change when expectations are not being met. The process should stimulate both verbal and written two-way communication, including the opportunity for self-review.
Please see the UI Policy Manual to review the complete policy. For more information on performance reviews, visit the Performance Management website.
Access to Personnel Files
This policy applies to faculty, Professional and Scientific (P&S) staff, and Merit staff. Please see the UI Policy Manual to review the complete policy.
Faculty
The university recognizes the right of access by a faculty member to their own personnel files whether in departmental, collegiate, central administrative, or any other university offices. A faculty member may have access to letters and other materials written in an expectation of confidence after the means of identification have been removed.
Staff
Employing departments will maintain a personnel file, and, when applicable, a separate medical file for each employee. Files are property of the university, and information contained within will be consistent with state and federal laws, regulations, and university policies. An employee may request to review their personnel and medical files. Copies will be made or access will be given at an agreeable time and place.
More information on guidelines and best practices for personnel files can be found on the University Human Resources website.
Required Workplace Notices
The University of Iowa is required by state and federal law to provide employees with access to official workplace rights and employment notices. These notices inform employees about their rights, protections, and available resources related to employment, pay, leave, safety, and nondiscrimination.
Each college and division maintains required workplace notices in common areas of campus buildings where employees work. To remain in compliance, these notices must be current, clearly visible, and accessible to all employees.
For employees who work remotely or who are based outside of Iowa, required notices must be made available digitally to ensure they receive the same information and protections.
If you have questions regarding the posters, please contact Employee Relations at 319-467-4142 or elr-help@uiowa.edu.
