Office of Student Life

Today's Update: Performance Goals Guidance

August 4, 2026

Dear Student Life team,

In response to a suggestion from some team members, I wanted to share some clarification and tips for goal-setting for Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027). 

The Buckeye Performance Management system is open for team members to begin populating performance expectations, goals and values-aligned behaviors for the current fiscal year. The university’s deadline to enter goals is Monday, August 31, 2026. 

Your goals for the year should be developed in partnership with your supervisor before being entered into the system. If you have goals you would like to pursue, bring them to your conversation with your supervisor for discussion and approval. We have asked supervisors to initiate these conversations with employees as soon as possible to discuss specific areas of focus for the upcoming year. In addition to Performance and Professional Development goals, each employee should also identify areas of focus and goals for two new sections of the Buckeye Performance System: Core Duties and Shared Values.  

You and your supervisor should also agree on the best process for entering the goals and core duties, either by the supervisor or the team member. 

Student Life team members are being asked to identify goals in four categories: 

  

  1. No fewer than two Performance Goals 

SAMPLE: Brutus Performance Goal #1
Participate in at least 20 scheduled appearances during FY27 and ensure each appearance includes intentional engagement with attendees through photos, crowd interaction or event participation. 

SAMPLE Brutus Performance Goal #2
Participate in at least 12 outreach events serving prospective students, alumni, community partners or university stakeholders during FY27 and use organizer feedback to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. 

  

  1. No Fewer Than One Professional Development Goal 

SAMPLE: Professional Development Goal for Brutus Buckeye
Complete at least two professional development opportunities related to public engagement, customer service, leadership, communication or performance skills by April 30, 2027, and incorporate at least one new strategy into future appearances. 
 

  1. 1–3 goals based on core duties and expectations (NEW FOR THIS YEAR) 

These are areas of focus for the employee for the upcoming year, based on the employee's position description. Performance goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). 

SAMPLE:  Core Duties and Expectations Goals for Brutus Buckeye
Strengthen cross-campus partnerships by collaborating with at least five campus units by June 2027. 
Increase fan engagement and connection, with 80% of attendees reporting a positive experience during this academic year. 

  

  1. At Least One Shared Values-Based Goal (NEW FOR THIS YEAR) 

In Student Life, team members should create a goal based around any of the following three categories:  

SAMPLE: University Shared Value Goal for Brutus Buckeye based on the ‘Excellence and Impact’ value 

  • Excellence and Impact: Demonstrate excellence in representing Ohio State by arriving prepared and on time for 95% of scheduled appearances and consistently modeling professionalism and respect in interactions with students, fans, alumni and community members. 

  • Student Life Culture Commitments (Appreciation, Care, Connection, Support) 

SAMPLE: Student Life Culture Commitments (Appreciation, Connection, Support, Care) Goal for Brutus Buckeye based on Connection 

  • Connection: Foster connection and community-building by intentionally engaging with a range of students, families, fans and guests at every appearance and creating welcoming experiences that help individuals feel included and valued. 

  • Your department’s Culture Commitment Action Plan (CCAP) If you are unfamiliar with your unit's CCAP, please connect with your supervisor or department director. 

SAMPLE: Your Department's Culture Commitment Action Plan (CCAP) Goal for Brutus Buckeye 

  • Support departmental culture-building efforts by participating in at least four Student Life initiatives or events that promote appreciation, connection, support or care and serve as a visible ambassador for a positive and inclusive community culture (e.g. Scarlet & Great Gathering, workshops, etc.). 

For education, resources, and general questions, visit the general page for the Performance Planning Phase, Guidance with specific examples or submit a ticket to Buckeye Performance in HR Connection. 

For further guidance and support contact your direct people leader or designated HR Consultant. 

Thank you very much for your Scarlet and Great commitment to the Office of Student Life and our shared vision of helping every Buckeye—and team member—engage, learn and thrive at Ohio State, and beyond. 

 

Melissa S. Shivers, PhD  
Senior Vice President for Student Life   
The Ohio State University