These general instructions have been updated September 20th, 2021. Recognize and respect that individual faculty members may have specific policies.

Deadline to make a request: November 1st – You do not need to have all materials ready at this point, but you must make the request.

Request method: It is always a good idea to start with an email introduction and plan to meet face-to-face (in person or virtual) to formally ask.

Materials to be submitted to each faculty:

• CSD Letters of Recommendation Request Form
  • Download the Form (MS Excel)
  • Complete all fields.
  • The file has “mock entries” to show you the information to be entered. Override the mock entries with your information.  
• Unofficial Transcript

To-Dos before materials are submitted to faculty:

• Complete all application and recommendation forms (including faculty information in online forms)
• Complete waiver to access the letter of recommendation (usually a checkbox)

All letters from JMU faculty are sent directly to the applicant programs.  Faculty members will not return letters to students. Appearing on JMU letterhead stationery, a form will be used by all CSD faculty members in providing letters of recommendation for students applying to graduate-level programs.  Students do not need to provide this form.

Considerations:

• Students are discouraged from asking for a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in whose course the student earned a grade of B- or lower.
• Students are advised to verify and establish clear expectations with each faculty member when making letter of recommendation requests.
• Most programs have moved to electronic submissions, and that is the expected method of letter submission. If hard-copy letters will be submitted, the student is responsible for contacting each program to inform them that a hard-copy letter will be sent directly. Students also should provide the materials needed for a hard-copy submission (e.g., envelope, stamps).
• Submit relevant materials to the faculty member for ALL programs to which you are applying at the same time.
• Please give careful thought regarding the programs to which you are applying, as well as about the individuals whom you intend to ask for letters. Consider letters from those who can add value to your application rather than simply repeat what is obvious from other elements of the application, for example, grades in your transcripts, GRE scores.
• If you have a deadline approaching, a gentle reminder is appropriate