DEH Student Workshop: Recommendation Letters: Ground Rules

The Department of English and Humanities (DEH) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organized a workshop on July 13, 2023 titled "Recommendation Letter: Ground Rules" at the institution's permanent campus. The workshop was held as a partial requirement for the students of ENG 413, ENG 498, and ENG 499 courses, and facilitated by Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, Head and Associate Professor, DEH.

Ms. Rahman began the session by explaining the distinct features and purposes of a recommendation letter. As the session progressed, she elaborated on its importance in job applications and higher education pursuits. Ms. Rahman also provided valuable insights into the dos and don'ts when requesting a recommendation letter, emphasizing the significance of receiving a proper letter from a faculty member, club advisor, or similar sources.

The facilitator also talked about the importance of extracurricular activities in a student’s life, and how it can contribute to enrich their Curriculum Vitae (CV) impacting their professional pursuits positively. Ms. Rahman also provided suggestions for students who seldom participate in such activities stressing on how interpersonal skills outside the classroom can help define a person’s abilities. She also advised the students to develop soft skills, time management skills and utilize available resources alongside other activities as they can immensely contribute to their overall growth.

The participants were then asked by Ms. Rahman to write a sample letter to their faculty members, asking for their recommendation. As a general feedback, the facilitator put special emphasis on the information that students should provide a faculty member with, and the etiquettes and attitude they should maintain when asking for the letter. Afterwards, Ms. Rahman discussed her personal experiences of receiving recommendation letters from her teachers, as well as her experience of writing recommendation letters for her students.

The students were later given the floor to the participants to extend their queries which Ms. Rahman addressed with insightful replies. This interactive session was then brought to an end with an exchange of thanks between the students and the facilitator.

Report by Sumaiya Swati Udita (193013047).