Student Workshop on Recommendation Letters: Ground Rules
On November 20, 2025, the Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh organized a workshop titled “Recommendation Letters: Ground Rules.” The session was arranged for undergraduate students enrolled in ENG 4208, ENG 4298, and ENG 4299, along with graduate students, to understand the essential principles of requesting recommendation letters and what they should comprise. This workshop was facilitated by Ms. Nadia Rahman, Assistant Professor, DEH.
Ms. Rahman opened the session with an emphasis on the purpose of a recommendation letter and why it must be genuine and personalized as generic letters/emails fail to showcase the applicant’s individual skills or qualities. Along with introducing different types of recommendation letters, Ms. Rahman stressed the importance of adjusting the letters according to the specific application or institution. While speaking about the proper way to request a letter, she advised the students to approach their referees well ahead of time; and to choose someone who knows their work, strengths, and are familiar with their academic and/or professional accomplishments.
Ms. Rahman, throughout the workshop, emphasized that a strong recommendation letter aligns its focus with the intended opportunity the student is applying for. Depending on what the application requires, a referee may highlight research abilities, communication skills, leadership strengths, or the student’s capacity to work in teams. Then she explained the value of sending a polite and well-structured request, including useful documents such as resumes and transcripts or notes on key accomplishments so that the referees can write more detailed and supportive letters.
Ms. Rahman also explained the essential elements of an effective recommendation letter. These include a strong introduction, specific examples of applicant’s abilities, an encouraging and confident endorsement, and a proper concluding remark. She ended the workshop with a thoughtful discussion on what information should be added and what should be avoided, reminding the students that the best letters are honest, focused, and professionally written.
Overall, the session provided graduating students with a complete understanding of how to treat recommendation letters as a careful, strategic and meaningful process, one that helps create a positive and lasting impression on the reader.
Report by Sanjida Aktar Lopa (221013027)
