Students have the opportunity to request a letter of reference from CSU Global faculty. The decision to fulfill this request is solely at the discretion of individual faculty. If you are not comfortable providing the student a letter, please communicate with the student that you are declining the request.
The student will need to first send you a completed Faculty Letter of Reference form. Students can find this form on the Career Center site under Career Center Resources > Resume, Cover Letters, & References > References. You may also send them the following URL:
https://globalconnect.csuglobal.edu/hub/csu_global/resources-v2/post/request-a-faculty-reference
You may choose to write your own letter or utilize the template provided. Once you have completed your letter use the Print to PDF option to save the document and prevent further editing. Once you have a saved copy you will email it directly to the student.
Letter of Reference Template
If you have any questions regarding this information or the process please email career.center@csuglobal.edu.
Student instructions found in the Career Center
To help in this process, students are provided the following information and guidance when asking for a letter of reference.
- ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
Does the instructor know me well enough to be comfortable writing a letter of reference?
What is my relationship with the instructor? Is it a positive one?
Was my performance in the course good enough to justify such a request?
How long has it been since I took the course? The more time that passes between the end of the course and your request, the more difficult it will be for the instructor to write the letter.
Considering the above questions can help to determine if your request is reasonable.
- GET PRELIMINARY APPROVAL FROM THE INSTRUCTOR
Ask your instructor if he or she is willing to write you a recommendation. If the answer is no, remember that faculty work with hundreds of students over the course of a year. An instructor not honoring your request should not be taken personally.
- REQUEST FOR FACULTY REFERENCE
If the instructor is willing to write a letter of reference, you will need to download the Request for Faculty Reference form to your computer. Open your saved copy of this form, complete it in its entirety, and email it directly to the instructor.
You should allow 2-3 weeks for the return of the letter. Keep the instructors’ time and workload in mind when making such a request.
- FACULTY MEMBER COMPLETES REFERENCE LETTER
Once the reference letter is complete, it will be emailed to you directly by the instructor.
- THANK THE FACULTY MEMBER
Remember, faculty are not required to complete such a request. Sending a note of appreciation demonstrates your gratitude and professionalism.
