The Chronicle: Colloquy: The question

THE QUESTION

The cover story in this week's Chronicle examines why many faculty members say they can't trust letters of recommendation that they review in hiring and tenure decisions. Puffery is rampant. Letter writers seem afraid to say anything critical. And those who are critical may be seeking to provide a committee with supporting evidence for a decision that has already been made. Are letters of recommendation of any value anymore? How can academics write such letters, or review them, to get a better sense of candidates' abilities? What have your experiences been with letters -- writing them, reviewing them, and being the subject of them? Is there a better way to get outside advice for hiring and tenure decisions?

For further information, see this background article:

Why You Can't Trust Letters of Recommendation (6/30/2000)

: 18 RESPONSES (New 7/28)

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