So… you would like
a letter of reference…
In most cases, I am happy to supply a letter of reference
for graduate school, scholarships and bursaries or for job opportunities. I need
at least 10 business days notice and I will require some information:
- I will need a complete description of what the letter is
for. For example, is it for law school or a graduate program? What scholarship
or bursary? What job opportunity?
- I will need the specific instructions from the
organization about reference letters. For example, what information do they
need to know? To whom is the information going? Is there a pre-printed letter
or form available? If so, you must provide it to me. Is there a special
envelope that is provided? If so, you must provide it to me.
- I need to know where the information is going. To whom
and to what address? Do you require multiple copies? Will you pick it up and
include it in your application package or am I to mail it directly to the
institution.
- I will need a complete mailing address. I want this
written out in your e-mail to me so I can cut and paste it into the letter.
- I will need a list of the courses you have taken with
me, including the term and the year. It would be helpful if you could include
your grades although I can check the grade in my files.
- If it has been a number of years since I have taught
you, please send me a digital picture via e-mail to help me remember you.
It is your responsibility to follow up to make sure that I
have sent what you need. Please e-mail me 10 business days before the letter is
due and then follow up 5 business days before the letter is due to ensure that I
have sent it or will be sending it.
Please note that if I write a letter of reference for you,
it is my responsibility to provide the recipient with my honest opinion. This
means that I will provide both my positive and negative impressions. While I
will not give you specifics of my letter, I will tell you if I feel I cannot
provide a strong letter of reference. It is then up to you to decide if I am the
right referee.
Good luck in your endeavour,
Tracy Summerville
summervi@unbc.ca