Guidelines for Appealing the Annual Performance Review
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide information and the procedure that university employees should follow, if they disagree with their annual performance review. See also the Performance Management Appeals Process infographic which explains VCU's appeals process.
How does an employee file an appeal?
- An employee who disagrees with their annual performance review must first file a written request for reconsideration within 10 business days of receiving their annual performance review. The written request must be sent to the manager who completed their performance review. The written request may be an email to the manager, and the employee should copy VCU Employee Relations at emprel@vcu.edu.
- Upon receipt of the request, the manager should notify their HR Professional and VCU Employee Relations at emprel@vcu.edu. They should schedule a meeting with the employee to discuss the basis for their appeal of their annual performance review. The manager will provide a written response to the employee within 10 business days of receiving the employee’s written appeal. The manager’s written response shall indicate one of the following:
- Manager affirms the original performance review;
- Manager may revise the performance review in whole; or
- Manager may revise the performance review in part.
- If the employee’s disagreement with their annual performance review cannot be resolved with their manager, or if their manager fails to respond in writing to the employee’s written request for reconsideration within 10 business days, the employee may file a written appeal with the reviewer (the person to whom the manager reports) within 10 business days of receiving the manager’s written response, or if the employee’s manager fails to respond to the employee, in writing.
- The reviewer may schedule a meeting with the employee and the manager to discuss the basis for the employee’s performance review appeal within 10 business days. After meeting with the employee and manager, or reviewing the employee’s written appeal, the reviewer will issue a written decision to the employee within 10 business days, with a copy to the manager. The reviewer’s written response shall indicate one of the following:
- Reviewer affirms the original performance review;
- Reviewer may revise the performance review in whole; or
- Reviewer may revise the performance review in part.
The Reviewer’s decision concludes the annual performance review appeals process.
Note: Annual performance reviews are not subject to any further review, and they are not grievable. If an employee believes that their manager has violated a policy or law in giving their performance review, the employee should contact their HR professional.