The “Lyles Rules” for Letters of Recommendation
A few things to keep in mind:
1. Unless you have earned an “A” (or very high “B”) in a class with me, it is unlikely that I can write a very strong letter for you. You should ask someone else to write for you. Also, I can write a much stronger letter if you have taken more than one class with me. Remember, I am writing letters for some students who have taken two, three, even four classes with me and they have earned an “A” or a very high “B” in every class. Some of these students have also taken “independent readings” courses with me, and others have also written an undergraduate honors thesis under my direction.
2.a. Be sure you provide (in writing) a list of every class you have taken with me and the grade you earned. I need in writing (1) the name of the class, (2) the semester you took the class with me, and (3) the grade that you earned in the class. I need to be able to easily and quickly find all your grades.
2.b. I do not need a copy of your transcripts. Since I am the undergraduate director I have access to your DAR (degree-audit-report) already. However, please tell me your UIN if you want me to comment on your overall undergraduate performance. I usually, however, limit my letters to your performance in MY classes. I am no longer Undergraduate Director so provide me with a copy of your DARS report only if you want me to review it.
3.a. Most recommendation letters are submitted electronically. However, if a letter must be mailed, you must give me stamped, addressed envelopes for every letter I am mailing directly to the graduate school(s); the law school(s); the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC); the paralegal program; or the internship/fellowship office; etc. Too much Covid–I’ll spring for the postage.
3.b. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL I GIVE LETTERS DIRECTLY TO STUDENTS. I will not give physical or digital copies of my recommendations directly to students (even in sealed envelopes signed across the back). To do so is a violation of my professional standards. I will not share the contents of my letter with you. If you feel that you need to read the letter, then please ask someone else to write for you. My letters of recommendation for graduate school, law school, or employment are confidential. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
3.c. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL I SUBMIT A LETTER FOR YOU IF YOU DO NOT WAIVE YOUR RIGHTS TO SEE THE LETTER. These letters are my property and I do not want them floating around among students (comparing letters, etc.). If you have not waived your rights, I will not write for you. Moreover, if you are concerned about what I write, then I am probably not the right person to recommend you.
4. It is not required, but it will be to your advantage if you give me a writing sample (preferably a copy of a paper you have written for me in a class or seminar). Do not assume that I still have copies of your past written work (or that I can find copies of your work even if you gave it to me yesterday). I already lost it.
5. It is not required, but it will be to your advantage to give me a short biography and/or resume as well as a copy of your “personal statement,” etc. The more I can say about you the better.
6.a. Do not give these materials to me in the hallway, in the parking lot, after class, or put them under my office door, or leave them in my department mailbox. I will misplace them. They will be lost!
6.b. I strongly prefer that you send me everything electronically via email as word files and/or PDF documents. Please make sure I have all of your materials at least one month before your deadline(s). Keep in mind that I write a number of letters every semester and I complete the letters in the order that I receive completed materials. Lastly, please email me about every week to ensure that I have all your information and that I have written and submitted/mailed your letter(s).
7. If someone needs to contact me about you, it is best that they email me at lyles@uic.edu. I do not regularly check my UIC voice-mail. Ok, I never check my voicemail.
8. Read the “Helpful Hints” pdf attached below.
9. Finally, I take this very seriously. As a professor, writing a letter of recommendation for a student is both a privilege and an honor. Thank you for trusting me with your recommendation.
10. I use Gender-Neutral language in my letters. I avoid “he,” “his,” “she,” “hers,” etc. I also do not use “s/he.” I tend to use “they,” “their,” and “them” as a singular pronoun or simply repeat your name several times.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/letters-of-recommendation.html
Kevin LylesAug 21, 2014
Hi everyone. Requests for letters of recommendation are really piling up recently. I take these letters very seriously…as one of the most important professional responsibilities we share as professors. Please remind me often of deadlines! Also, please read and then re-read #1 above before asking me to write a letter for you.