Information for Faculty
We are aware that a substantial amount of faculty time goes toward writing letters of reference. The Center for Work and Service and Class Deans are eager to be helpful in this process. The Guidelines for Requesting Faculty References should help students clarify their responsibilities in requesting a reference from you.
Experience has taught us that the answers to the following questions may be helpful in constructing an effective reference:
- In what capacity and for what length of time have you known the student?
- How would you assess the student’s ability and performance in the areas pertinent to the program or position for which she is applying? Please give specific examples to support your evaluation.
- Would you recommend this student for the program, fellowship,
or employment for which she is applying?
While it is helpful to gain as much information as possible from the requesting student about key strengths or experiences she would like you to highlight, it can place a student in an awkward position if she is asked to draft a letter for you as a template. In general, the most effective recommendations are always in the voice and words of the recommender.
Almost all graduate and professional schools will accept a general letter of reference copied and attached to their official form. This can be written either on College stationery or on a Center for Work and Service Letter of Reference/Waiver form. Depending on your preference and the student’s request, you may send your reference directly to the program or send the letter to the Center for Work and Service (CWS). If you send your letter to the CWS, the student must sign a waiver form so that we will know whether or not it should be held confidential. In any case, we recommend that you send a copy of your letter to the Center for Work and Service to be placed in the student’s permanent reference file.
Potentially Sensitive Information
Your letter of reference is a screening tool for the application process, so you may deliberate over the types of information you include about the student, especially if the information is potentially sensitive or may be viewed by the reader as controversial. At the CWS, we encourage students to include in their applications any information they feel is central to their identity or encompasses values that are important to them. We also recognize that a wide variety of potential readers exist, and some of them may not share students' views on issues of diversity, multiculturalism, sexuality, political affiliation, disabilities, or religion.
We encourage you to talk with the student about how she is addressing the issue or situation within her application, and how you can best support her in your letter. If the potentially sensitive information does not directly affect the candidate’s ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position for which she has applied, is not visibly apparent, and may be considered a private matter, you may choose not to mention it at all.
If you have questions about a particular circumstance, please feel free to contact the CWS at 781.283.2352 to talk with one of our counselors. To see the general advice we provide for students on this topic, please visit the “Potentially Sensitive Information” section of our resume pages at www.wellesley.edu/cws/students/sensitive.html.
