Being a Reference for Students

Guidelines to Follow when asked to be a reference

Faculty are frequently asked to write references for students seeking employment or going on to graduate school. When writing references there are a few key guidelines to follow.

Determine whether you know the student well enough to confidently speak about their ability
Identify the student, your relationship and the length of the relationship. If your contact with the student is primarily through a class, list the course name. If it was through employment, list the title of the position and what the job entailed.
Provide as much information about the student's increased knowledge, skill level, maturity, people skills, and any other aspects of development during the time you knew him or her.
Request that the student give you a copy of his or her resume to help you better understand the student's career goals and objectives

Focus on the positive and try to qualify any negative statements with how the student is dealing with the problem. If you feel you cannot give the student a positive recommendation, decline to write the letter or to serve as a reference.

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Being a Reference for Students

Guidelines to Follow when asked to be a reference