Performance Management

Probationary reviews for new staff members

The probationary period can be an important time for new staff members and is an opportunity for you to determine suitability of an employee for a specific position.

What is the probationary review?

The probationary review is a short assessment of the employee’s performance on job-related objectives, and supervisors are encouraged to include an overall comment. This is a great opportunity to provide feedback and discuss progress.

What is the process for the probationary review?

It's key that the probationary process be discussed at the time of hire. Staff members are eligible for a probationary review after completing three months of service, and no later than six months (unless they are contractual employees).

Ninety days after the employee’s start date, the online Probationary Staff Review form becomes available to the supervisor. The supervisor will also receive an email with instructions on how to access the form through the Performance & Engagement tile in connectU.

At this time, supervisors will decide whether the employee’s employment will continue with the University. The form will include a due date, set seven days before the employee’s sixth month of employment, to ensure it is completed in a timely manner. If the review is not submitted by the end of the sixth month, the employee’s status will automatically be updated to "regular" (non-probationary), meaning continued employment.

What happens if the supervisor needs more time to evaluate the employee's skills?

If you need more time to evaluate the employee’s skills, performance or fit for the role, you may request an extension of the probationary period of up to a total of 12 months. This request should be communicated to Human Resources before the employee reaches their six-month anniversary.

An additional form will be provided for this extension request, which must be approved before the extended period begins. It’s important to note that this extension does not guarantee continued employment for the entire requested period.

Who is responsible for managing this review process?

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that probationary reviews are submitted on time. Once the form is completed in connectU, the employee will acknowledge it and forward it to the supervisor’s manager for approval. Afterward, a Human Resources representative will review and finalize the form. Both the supervisor and employee will have access to the completed form in their Completed folder within the Performance module in connectU.

Contact your HR Partner

Our HR Partners work closely with leadership across different departments and divisions to build a supportive work environment. They focus on employee-centered activities and performance management to ensure everyone thrives.