Student Workshop (Spring 2025): Recommendation Letters - Ground Rules
On April 10, 2025, the Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh hosted a workshop titled “Recommendation Letters: Ground Rules.” Designed to support undergraduate students enrolled in ENG 4208, ENG 4298, and ENG 4299, as well as graduate students, the session offered crucial guidance on both crafting and requesting effective recommendation letters. The workshop was conducted by Ms. Nadia Rahman, Assistant Professor, DEH.
Ms. Rahman began the workshop with a thorough explanation of the purpose of a recommendation letter, stressing on the importance of personalization. She introduced students to the different types of recommendation letters and emphasized the need to alter each letter according to the application. Advising students on the etiquette of requesting letters, she emphasized the importance of reaching out to potential referees well in advance as well as ensuring that the referee is familiar with the student and their achievements.
Ms. Rahman underscored the necessity of aligning the letter’s focus with the specific opportunity, whether by highlighting research skills, leadership qualities, or collaborative abilities. She followed this with a detailed discussion on encouraging students to send polite and clear requests, attach supporting documents like resumes and transcripts, and highlight notable accomplishments to guide their referees effectively.
Finally, Ms. Rahman outlined the key components of a persuasive recommendation letter: a strong introduction, concrete examples of the applicant’s strengths, an enthusiastic endorsement, and an appropriate conclusion. The session concluded with a reflective overview of deciphering between what to add and what to exclude in a recommendation letter, stressing that effective letters must be honest, precise, and professional. The workshop offered the graduating students a thorough understanding of how to approach recommendation letters as a thoughtful process that leaves a lasting impression.
Report by Fatema Aftab Miah (211013016)
