Review Window: Dec 2026-Feb 2027
Performance Management in WaveWorks
Complete your 2026 Performance Review
Everything you need to finish your review in WaveWorks: where to find it, the steps, the rating scale, and help when you need it.
Key Dates
Oct. 2026
Learn the process and attend a training session
Now (Nov. 2026)
Gather examples of your work to support your self-evaluation
Dec. 1, 2026
Review opens in WaveWorks
Feb. 26, 2027
Review closes
What’s New for 2026
2026 is a transition year. Here’s what’s changed from last year’s review.
One system, separate documents
Your self-evaluation and your manager’s evaluation are separate documents in one WaveWorks workflow.
New competencies
Everyone is rated on six competencies instead of a weighted job description; managers have a seventh: Lead & Inspire.
Updated rating scale
“Role Model” replaces “Outstanding,” with fuller definitions for every level.
Side-by-side ratings
Your ratings and comments appear next to your manager’s.
Reflection questions
Six questions on accomplishments, strengths, growth, core values, and goals, answered by you and your manager.
How to Complete Your Review
Five tracked tasks in WaveWorks, the same ones you'll see in the Document Progress panel.
▶ See the live form walkthrough in the recording
1
Employee Self-Evaluation
Self-ratings, comments, reflection questions, and feedback participants.
2
Manager Evaluation
Rates beside your comments, with feedback and check-ins in view.
3
Review Meeting Date
Manager schedules the one-on-one to discuss achievements, ratings, and development goals.
4
Share with Employee
Manager shares the completed document; employee acknowledges it.
5
Employee Final Feedback
Employee adds closing comments; final sign-off.
The form has 3 sections:
1 · Competencies 2 · Evaluation Questionnaire 3 · Overall Summary (attach your job description here)
Why complete a self-evaluation? Your ratings and comments appear side by side with your manager's, so they see your perspective and accomplishments before finalizing the review, turning it into a two-way conversation.
Competencies & Ratings
Competencies describe how you work. See full behaviors and learning paths.
Trainings & Recordings
Lunch & Learn Series
Learn the New Review Form, Step by Step
From Nov. 3 through Dec. 8, short virtual sessions walk through each part of the 2026 review form, from competencies and self-ratings to the new rating scale and closing the workflow.
Most sessions are just 30 minutes, with additional sessions for managers.
Next upcoming sessions
Three Kinds of Feedback: Leadership Educator in Residence Series
Tue., Nov. 10 · 9–10 a.m. · In person, Downtown (Murphy Building)
Lunch & Learn, Module 2: Additional Feedback Questionnaire
Wed., Nov. 11 · 12:30–1 p.m. · Online
2026 Annual Review: Manager Showcase in WaveWorks
Thu., Nov. 12 · 10–11 a.m. · Online · Managers
Registration is in WaveWorks Learn; log in to WaveWorks first, then click a session link. Activate LinkedIn Learning for competency learning paths.
Worksheets, Guides, & Help
Stuck? Get help
Using WaveWorks or the form
A performance concern
Finding your job description
Key Guides
- Employee review worksheet (link coming soon)
- Manager review worksheet (link coming soon)
Templates & Guides
Step-by-Step Guides
Continuous Performance Management (CPM)
Performance isn’t a once-a-year event. Continuous Performance Management (CPM) makes the annual review the last stage of a year-round Employee Success Cycle, so nothing in your review comes as a surprise. See the full explanation in the recording.
Coming in 2027
Performance goals are not part of the 2026 evaluation form; they'll be added and rated starting next year. This year, you can set an optional development goal (no approval needed) to get familiar with WaveWorks Goals. Guide to Goals
Stage 1
Plan
Discuss goals and define individual success metrics in the Goal Center.
Stage 2
Assess
Track progress with measurable target outcomes and give continuous feedback through check-ins.
Stage 3
Develop
Identify learning opportunities, address challenges early, and build potential.
Stage 4
Recognize & Reward
Complete the formal review, document performance, recognize results, and start planning the next cycle by setting new goals.
FAQs
Is a self-evaluation required?
Completing a self-evaluation in WaveWorks is highly recommended. It appears next to your manager’s evaluation, so it is your chance to share your perspective.
Is my job description still weighted?
No. In 2026 you are rated on competencies, which describe how you work, rather than on a weighted job description. You will attach your job description in section 3, Overall Summary, so it stays part of the record.
Are goals rated this year?
No. Performance goals are not part of the 2026 evaluation form; they will be added and rated starting in 2027. This year, you can set an optional development goal, which needs no approval, to get familiar with WaveWorks Goals.
Are ratings and comments required?
Ratings are required for every competency and the overall summary. Managers must also include comments for each. For employees, comments are optional but strongly encouraged: they appear beside your manager’s, so they’re your chance to share specific examples and context your manager may not have seen. The additional feedback questionnaire is optional for everyone, but your answers give you and your manager more to talk about in your review meeting.
What’s different for managers?
Managers are rated on seven competencies instead of six, adding Lead & Inspire. Managers also rate beside each employee’s self-evaluation, record the review meeting date, and share the completed document.
Can a manager reopen or transfer a review?
Reviews can be reopened or moved to a new manager when an employee changes roles mid-cycle. If you need assistance, contact talentdev@tulane.edu with the employee name and the change needed.
Can I see my past reviews?
Starting with 2026, every review is saved in WaveWorks, and both you and your manager can view it at any time. WaveWorks will not house reviews from 2025 and earlier. When each of those reviews was completed, you and your manager received a PDF copy by email, and a copy was added to your employee record. If you can’t find a past review, email talentdev@tulane.edu and we’ll pull a copy for you.
What if an employee is below expectations?
A Below Expectations rating means performance is consistently below standards and immediate correction is needed. Contact your HR Business Partner before finalizing the review so next steps are documented and handled consistently.