Handbook Table of Contents > Preparing to Teach > Letters of Recommendation
Indiana University Teaching Handbook
Preparing to Teach
Letters of Recommendation
Adapted with permission from University of Tennessee
Students may ask you to recommend them for a particular job, acceptance to another institution, or graduate school. If you feel you must decline, simply explain why not. If you are willing to write the letter, do so promptly, while you still have the student and his or her performance sharply in mind.
Keep in mind that you are legally responsible for statements you make in your recommendation, to the extent, at least, that you are liable for any deleterious remarks you make. If you have reason to be concerned about something you want to express, preface what you have to say with something like, “To the best of my knowledge . . . .” Under the Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a student has the right to see a copy of your recommendation unless he or she signs a waiver; however, if you wish to, you are free to give a copy of the recommendation to the student.
If you seek any further advice concerning the writing of these letters, please visit Writing Tutorial Services in Ballantine Hall 206.
