Performance Ratings

The rating scale provides a consistent basis for evaluating staff performance. The following ratings are used for Emory University's performance management process:

Year-End Ratings

Performance Ratings
RatingDefinition
1 - Unacceptable
  • The employee consistently performs below the level expected of this position in all or almost all key aspects of the position.
  • Both what is produced and how it is produced are below Emory standards and clearly unacceptable.
  • Unless there is obvious and immediate improvement, earning this rating should cause Emory and the employee to seriously consider whether continued employment is appropriate.
  • A performance improvement plan and review by HR is required.
2 - Needs Improvement
  • The employee demonstrates adequate performance in most areas, but needs improvement in one or more significant aspects that are critical to the position.
  • Either what is produced or how it is produced require improvement in one or more areas to meet expectations of the position and Emory.
  • Such performance shortfalls may be attributable to newness on the job, missing or undeveloped skills, and/or experience. Regardless, the rating conveys that performance is below expectations in one or more areas and must be improved.
  • A performance improvement plan and review by HR is required.
3 - Meets Expectations
  • The employee consistently demonstrates capable or satisfactory performance.
  • Both what is produced and how it is produced meet Emory standards and expectations of the position.
  • The employee is a dependable, competent, knowledgeable individual who meets and occasionally exceeds expectations of the position.
  • This rating conveys solid, effective performance.
4 - Exceeds Expectations
  • The employee demonstrates strong, consistent performance in all or almost all competencies, skills and responsibilities.
  • Both what is produced and how it is produced meet and often exceed Emory standards and expectations of the position.
  • Results add value beyond the scope of the current role, often benefiting the division/department. Examples of these results must be given to receive this rating.
  • This rating should be reserved for employees with strong, commendable performance.
5 - Far Exceeds Expectations
  • The employee consistently demonstrates superior performance.
  • Both what is produced and how it is produced far exceed Emory standards and expectations of the position.
  • The employee is extraordinarily competent and productive. Performance at this level occurs throughout the year and across all key aspects of the position.
  • The employee is often sought out by others for counsel and assistance, and is widely recognized as a role model. Examples of the results and sought after expertise must be given to receive this rating.
  • This rating should be used sparingly and reserved for truly outstanding performance throughout the review period.

Mid-Year Ratings

Mid-Year Performance Ratings
RatingDefinition

On Track with All

The employee is performing at a level of “meeting expectations” or above on all competencies, and is making progress on all goals, and is fulfilling all job responsibilities assigned to the position.

On Track with Some

The employee is performing at a level of “meeting expectations” or above on some competencies but is performing below “meeting expectations” on one or more competencies.  The employee may not be making progress on all goals and may not be fulfilling some of the job responsibilities assigned to the position.

Not on Track

The employee is performing below a level of “meeting expectations” on most if not all competencies and needs major improvement between now and the end of the year.  The employee is not making much progress on any goals and is not fulfilling most if not all of the job responsibilities assigned to the position.