I don't think you can trust that they won't do that. And, while I am certainly not defending this behavior, I can see students' reasons for wanting to. There are certainly professors who will write poor recommendations without warning students that this is what they will do. I think it is reasonable for students to have this information. Additionally, I think that many students would like to know what we really think of them, what their strengths and weaknesses are, etc.
I choose not to put students in this situation, where they may be tempted to want information (for legitimate reasons) but do not go about getting it in an appropriate way: - If my recommendation would not be positive, I let the student know beforehand. If I feel very strongly about it, I just say no. If the student has both strengths and weaknesses, I offer to write one and then they can decide whether or not to send it. - I give the student a copy of the recommendation (for their own folders) at the same time. That way they have my feedback -- and, in case they ever ask for a reference in the future, they can loan me their original. If I don't want the student to have a copy, I just don't agree to do it. Marcia Marcia J. McKinley Mt St Mary's College -----Original Message----- From: Kathy Dillon [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 10:46 AM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences Subject: Secure Letters of Reference As you undoubtedly know, a number of graduate institutions require their applicants to submit all their application materials together, including letters of reference, which are to be placed in envelopes, sealed, and signed by the author. What I would like to know is, how can I be sure the reference remains confidential? What is to stop a student from requesting along with a legitimate reference, a reference letter to another institution they do not plan on applying to and opening that reference letter? I had a reference form to fill out recently which asked me if I would hesitate to send a relative or a friend for counseling to this applicant (once they had received the proper credentials). I would, but I didn't trust giving that information in a letter of reference I did not personally mail to the Admissions Office. Does anyone else see any problems with this method? Kathy Dillon, Western New England College --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
