I think that the problem may be whether the student would still "get it." I have to write quite a few letters of recommendation (I teach 4 upper level courses) and I have run into this problem a few times. Usually I try to get the student in my office to have a chat with them about any concerns that I may have with the student. In at least 2 cases, after my chat, the forms for the letter of recommendation have shown up under my door. I wouldn't include the information about the Psych Club since much of the information you have appears to be second-hand - not at least until you talk to that student. I hear a lot about students from other faculty members and I try to base my letters of recommendation on how they acted around me rather than around others. For example, I had an advisee (who also was in 2 of my courses and active in the Psych club, of which I am co-adviser) who wanted a letter of recommendation. How could I say no? The problem was that I believed that this girl has undiagnosed Tourette syndrome (I kid you not - tics, odd outbursts, etc.). I had overheard from a few other students about an incident in another class in which this student had practically gotten into a fist fight with another student because the other student was sitting in "her" seat. She was a good student - I really couldn't fault her in that area. While she was rather socially inept, I didn't notice any really severe problems with how she interacted with other students - in fact, I had to chastise two of my other students for mocking her in class! I tried to explain my concerns to her at least 2 or 3 times, but she didn't get it at all - and she was applying to a Community Counseling program. I wrote her a letter of recommendation, stating she was a good student, but that she could use some work on her personal skills. I kept the letter as bland as possible. If the student keeps pushing even after you have said that you can't write a good letter of recommendation, then write the letter and offer to show it to the student. If the student still wants you to send the letter, then send it. That's what I did with the student.
Deb Dr. Deborah S. Briihl Dept. of Psychology and Counseling Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA 31698 (229) 333-5994 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dbriihl/ Well I know these voices must be my soul... Rhyme and Reason - DMB --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
