Graduate School changes system for letters of recommendation

The Graduate School is moving to a Web-based system for letters of recommendation, beginning Thursday, Sept. 15.

The change is in response to requests by applicants and departments to automate the recommendation process and is part of a continuing effort by the Graduate School to streamline the admissions process for more than 150 graduate programs.

By moving the recommendation process to the Web, the Graduate School hopes to lessen applicant confusion and make it easier for references to receive the applicant’s request and to submit the recommendation. Automating the receipt of letters of recommendation will also track letters electronically, allow admissions committee members to view recommendations simultaneously and allow applicants to see which recommendations have been received.

The system will be automated in stages, says Graduate School assistant dean Lois Beecham.

“This change in September is the first of three phases to be implemented this fall to improve both the applicant experience and provide information to our graduate program admission committees,” she says.