Policy on Letters of Recommendation

 

I take letters of recommendation very seriously.  I will only write letters when I believe that I can strongly recommend a student for the position being sought.  However, I will guarantee that, when I agree to write a recommendation, I will do so and it will be mailed (or ready for pick-up) within two weeks of the request. 

 

In order to facilitate my writing you a letter of recommendation, do the following:

 

  1. Be Sure You Meet My Criteria

 

If the letter is internal to Radford University (i.e., RU Foundation Scholarship, RA Position, Who’s Who Application, etc.):

 

    1. You must have had or currently be taking one class from me (however, I can write stronger letters for those of you who have completed a class or who have had more than one class);
    2. You must have earned (or be earning) an “A” or “B” in that class; and
    3. You must have demonstrated that you are a diligent student (i.e., regularly attend class, no cheating/plagiarism, no sleeping in class, etc.).

 

If the letter is for a job OR is for RU’s “Outstanding Student Award:”

 

a.       You must have completed at least one class with me; if you have not yet completed a class with me, there is very little I could say that would be of interest to an employer (however, the more classes you’ve had – especially upper-level classes – the stronger the letter can be);

b.      You must have earned an “A” or “B” in any classes you’ve had with me; and

c.       You must have demonstrated that you are a diligent student (i.e., regularly attend and participate in class, no cheating/plagiarism, no sleeping in class, etc.).

 

If the letter is for a law school OR graduate program (at Radford University of elsewhere):

 

a.       You must have completed at least one class with me at the 300- or 400-level; if you have not yet completed a class with me, of if you have only taken one of my 100- or 200-level classes, there is very little I could say that would be of interest to a graduate admissions committee;

b.      You must meet one of the following two criteria:  (1) have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and have earned an “A” in all courses you have had with me; or (2) have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 and have earned either an “A” or “B” in all courses you have had with me;

c.       You must have demonstrated that you are a diligent student (i.e., regularly attend and participate in class, no cheating/plagiarism, no sleeping in class, etc.); and

d.      You must schedule an appointment with me, prior to me writing the letter, to discuss the nature of graduate education and why you wish to attend graduate school (please note – you should have a clear answer to this question; here are two answers that won’t cut it:  [1] “I don’t have anything better to do;” [2] “It might help me with a job,” without elaboration as to what job and how it would help).  Be advised, I take graduate education very seriously.

 

  1. If you meet these criteria:

 

Type up a sheet containing the information listed below and either give it to me in person or leave it in my mailbox.  I will have the letter prepared and mailed or ready for pickup within two weeks (for more urgent deadlines, consult me).

 

    1. Your name
    2. The position(s) you are applying for, and the mailing address(es) of the agencies (I need the mailing address even if you are picking the letter up)

(Note:  I am happy to send letters to as many places as you wish; I will send the same letter, but change the position/address/agency references)

    1. A list of all classes you have taken from me, including (a) course name, (b) semester, and (c) the grade you earned
    2. A current copy of your resume
    3. IF REQUIRED:  Any forms that I need to fill out (i.e., graduate school or employment recommendation forms, LSAC forms for law school, etc.).  Please be sure that you have completed any required information on these forms (often you will have to fill in your name and address, sign the form, etc., before giving it to me).
    4. OPTIONAL:  A statement with any other information that you think would be useful to me (i.e., for a graduate school application, why you want a graduate degree; for a criminal justice agency, how an internship helped you; etc.)