Letters of Reference

I am usually happy to provide letters of recommendation for current or former students for graduate study or employment, though I may turn down requests from students whose work I don't feel I know well, or with whom I have not had recent contact. For this reason, please be sure to get my permission before using my name as a reference. To help me write the best letter possible, I will need you to provide me with the following information:

1. A typed list of names and addresses of schools (or positions) to which you are applying, including the name and title of the person and/or committee to whom the letter should be addressed, and due dates, with the earliest due date at the top.
2. Recommendation forms, if any. Please make it easier for me to finish the forms in a timely manner, by completing the following:
   • applicant information typed in;
   • recommender’s name, title, contact info (telephone, fax, address etc) typed in.
3. Your unofficial transcripts (please note courses you took with me).
4. A copy of your best work in these course(s) (with instructor comments on it).
5. A copy of the "statement of purpose" you have written for your graduate school application, or your job application letter.
6. A copy of your resume.
7. Stamped and addressed envelopes to send letters and forms directly to the graduate program(s) or employer(s) of your choice. Please note that, if you are planning to send out more than five applications, I may request that you register with Interfolio.

Before writing any letters of recommendation, I will also need from you a signed and completed copy of UMD's Reference Request and Authorization form. I am only able to write confidential letters, so please be sure to check the box at the bottom of the page waiving your right of access.