William Ghiselli wrote:
> When writing letters I always keep in mind my own professional
> credibility. If I write a letter to Southeast Bicycle State
> saying that this student is the greatest thing since sliced bread and
> that student subsequently performs at the turkey level, that "fact" about
> me will not be forgotten by State and likely will be shared with
colleagues at other
> institutions.
I thought about that quite a bit this morning, and I've decided to
go with a minimalist refusal to write a letter. It'll be something along the
lines of
"I'm sorry, but I cannot write a letter of recommendation that will be
helpful to you in your pursuit. I suggest that you consider asking faculty
whose upper level courses you took, either in the major or in one of your
support areas. An OCEL supervisor is also a good source for letters of
recommendation".
I most definitely do not want to lose credibility with the
department to which she is applying, and in fact, I wish I could warn them
not accept her (but I suspect I'd be in SERIOUS hot water - and probably
rightfully so - if I did something like that). Perhaps the absence of a
letter from me will give them second thoughts (I write a lot of
recommendations to that program - it's a good one, and one of few local
options, and I know many of the faculty members personally).
The minimalism (not giving reasons for my refusal) is per Mike
Scoles' suggestion. Thanks, Mike - I would not have thought about it that
way, and I think that you're right. I'm better covered by NOT going into
detail, at least not now and in writing.
Someone else suggested that the student doesn't need reasons for my
refusal because she's already aware of her shortcomings. Unfortunately, as
Deb Brihl reminded us, that's not always the case. The student in question
is one of those who is convinced that she is among the strongest students,
and that her difficulties were always the fault of others (faculty, peers,
staff...).
I wonder if there are any students lurking on the list who'd like to
add a little feedback from their point of view? (he writes, partly to remind
his peers that might be the case...)
Paul Smith
Alverno College
Milwaukee
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