Key takeaways
- Midyear performance conversations for MSU Denver professional and classified staff members are underway and continue through Dec. 23.
- Employees should review their goals, reflect on accomplishments and challenges, and come prepared to discuss any adjustments or support needed.
- Managers are responsible for scheduling conversations, but employees should follow up if they haven’t received an invitation.
Midyear performance conversations have begun, giving Metropolitan State University of Denver professional staff members an opportunity to check in with their managers about progress, priorities and professional growth.
The conversations run Nov. 9-Dec. 23 as part of the University’s 2026-27 performance management cycle.
More than a progress report, these check-ins are an opportunity for employees and managers to discuss what’s working, address challenges and adjust goals if needed to support success through the rest of the performance year.
How to prepare for your conversation
Human Resources encourages employees to take a few steps before meeting with their managers:
- Review your goals. Revisit the performance and development goals you established over the summer and entered into Workday.
- Reflect on your progress. Identify accomplishments, milestones and challenges since the beginning of the cycle.
- Consider changing priorities. Think about whether your goals still align with your responsibilities and the University’s needs. Be prepared to discuss adjustments.
- Identify support you need. Consider resources, training, feedback or guidance that could help you overcome obstacles and continue growing professionally.
- Think ahead. Discuss what you hope to accomplish before year-end reviews and how your managers can help you get there.
Resources to guide the conversation
Human Resources offers several tools to help employees and managers have productive, meaningful discussions:
- Mid-Year Coaching Conversations: A resource for employees and managers to prepare for coaching conversations and exchange constructive feedback.
- Career Conversation Guide: A guide to discussing professional development, career interests and growth opportunities.
- Stay Conversation Guide: A resource to help employees and supervisors discuss workplace engagement and support continued success.
What happens after the conversation?
Managers are responsible for scheduling midyear conversations. If you haven’t received an invitation, reach out to your managers to ensure your meeting takes place by Dec. 23.
Following the conversation, employees should update any revised goals in Workday and follow through on agreed-upon next steps.
The performance management cycle
MSU Denver’s annual performance management process includes three key steps:
- Goal-setting (July 30-Aug. 31): Employees establish performance and development goals with their managers and enter them into Workday.
- Midyear conversations (Nov. 9-Dec. 23): Employees and managers review progress, discuss professional development and identify opportunities for coaching and support.
- Year-end performance reviews (May-June 2027): Employees and managers complete a comprehensive review of achievements and prepare for the next year’s goals.
