Student Workshop: Recommendation Letters - Ground Rules

The Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh organized a workshop titled “Recommendation Letter: Ground Rules” on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The salient purpose of this workshop was to introduce the final term students to the general rules of thumb and standard procedures of requesting a recommendation letter. The workshop was conducted and facilitated by Ms. Nadia Rahman, Assistant Professor, DEH. The graduate students were also encouraged to attend the workshop.

The session was designed to help the students understand the practical, professional and ethical aspects of requesting a recommendation letter. Ms. Rahman stressed upon the importance of knowing whom to approach and request for a recommendation letter. It was emphasized that the referee must have a long-standing academic or professional association with the applicant, so that they are able to truly vouch for the applicant’s credibility. Ms. Rahman clarified that the first step in approaching this process is to ask for permission before listing someone as a referee, and that the applicant must only send the necessary documents such as certificates and transcripts if the request is granted.

Ms. Rahman then proceeded to highlight the importance of providing the said documents, since these documents can assist the referee in recalling relevant information about the applicant and thereby ensure an authentic and reliable recommendation letter. Additionally, Ms. Rahman discussed how crucial it is to give the referee ample time to write the letter and not rush them in any way, as doing so may not only affect the letter’s quality, but also come across as insincere and inconsiderate. She also noted that the applicant must not make unprofessional demands from their referee.

Ms. Rahman concluded the session after giving the students practical examples from her own experience where students failed to maintain the conventions of asking for a recommendation letter and then highlighted a number of key takeaways for the students in attendance.

Report by Nazia Awal (222013047)