Glenn's Letter of Recommendation Guidelines

Background: I am more than glad to write letters of recommendation for most of my students. I realize how important such letters are, and I also realize how difficult it can be for students to find people willing to write a good letter. Primarily, I am and advocate for my students and I fully believe that your success is my success. If you received a good grade in my class, generally, I will recommend you for a variety of job-related and graduate-school-related positions. The great majority of my students are people I believe in and are people who I am glad to support in future endeavors.

Procedural Issues: Writing letters for students tends to be a relatively big job with deadlines attached. Thus, it is immensely helpful for me when students deal with procedural issues in a highly organized manner. Here are some specific suggestions that help me with the process:

1. Before you submit any materials to me (IF YOU ARE LOCAL) come to my office hours (posted on my webpage: www.glenngeher.com)) to discuss the possibility of me writing you a letter - this meeting will allow me to get a sense of your interests and goals and will allow me to ensure that you are currently informed regarding the guidelines outlined herein. If you are not local, contact me by email to work out these details.

2. Generally, you need to get relevant materials to me at least 3 weeks before the first letter is due. However, there is an important exception to this rule when it comes to the end of Fall semester. If you do not get me all relevant materials before December 5 of a given Fall semester, I will not necessarily be able to get the letters out until the following February 1.

Relevant materials include all recommendation forms and envelopes (addressed and stamped) for each program to which you apply.

3. Organize all materials in a clear way.

A. For each program to which you apply, provide

(a) an addressed and stamped envelope (including the address to which the letter should be sent) AND

(b) the form that the university includes for letters of recommendation.

 if the program does not have a form, type a brief statement indicating exactly what they do ask for - and include that statement (attached via paperclip) with the corresponding addressed envelope.

B. Attach each form to the appropriate envelope via paperclip. Put all forms and envelopes in a large manila envelope with your name on it. Note that the second I am done with your letters, I like to get them right in the mail. Even if you expect to see me relatively soon, and figure that you can just pick the completed letters up from me in person, I strongly urge you to provide materials so that I can get everything in the mail when I'm done writing them.

C. If some letters are to be sent to you, not to a University directly, indicate so.

D. Provide a cover letter to me briefly indicating what kinds of programs you are applying to (e.g., MSW programs) and indicating the due dates for each letter of recommendation. In this same letter, let me know the following:
    * What classes you took (or are taking) with me (if any)
    * What grades you received in said classes
    * If you are/were my advisee

    * If you conducted research with me on some specific projects

E. Provide one extra envelope with your name and address and a stamp if you want me to send you a copy of the letter I write (even if you sign a waiver saying you give up your right to see the letter, I want all my students to see what I have written - I feel you should have that right).
F. FOR EACH LETTER THAT IS TO BE SENT TO YOU DIRECTLY, write on the back of the envelope the name of the school (and program) to which you will ultimately send it.

4. Consider the instructions here a final test from me - if you follow all these guidelines perfectly, that will only help the letter I write. If you miss half the points delineated herein, not so good ...

5. Get materials from all schools to me at the same time. For example, do not get me one reference form at one point and then two more the next
week, etc. It is most efficient if I do all your letters and get them off in one shot.

6. If you're given a choice to have me complete the recommendation in an online format versus a paper format, note that I have a very strong preference for the PAPER FORMAT (I have had very bad luck with the online systems for submitting recommendations).

Status: I always like to hear how things go for students - if/when you get in somewhere, let me know - because that will make me happy!