Dear __________:

An ad hoc committee has been appointed to consider the qualifications of Dr. __________, an Assistant Professor in the Department of __________, for promotion to the rank of untenured Associate Professor. I am writing on behalf of the committee to ask your help in evaluating Dr. __________'s qualifications for promotion.

The Johns Hopkins School of [Arts and Sciences/Engineering] has recently changed its tenure regulations, from a system in which the rank of Associate Professor does not ordinarily carry tenure to one in which it does. In the current transitional period, however, Dr. __________'s appointment is still governed by the regulations of the previous system. Hence the promotion under consideration is to Associate Professor without tenure.

We would appreciate very much your frank evaluation of Dr. __________'s scholarly achievements and promise for the future. It would be especially helpful to us if you could compare Dr. __________'s record with that of other scholars at approximately the same stage of career development, including individuals who have received tenure at the associate professor level. In addition, please evaluate the likelihood that he/she will in time equal the achievements of current leaders in his/her field. We would also be grateful for any comments you might be able to offer on Dr. __________'s abilities as a teacher.

I am enclosing a copy of Dr. __________'s vita and list of publications for your convenience. In the interest of time, I am taking the liberty to include a package of materials along with our request for reference. Let me know if I can supply any additional material. Please feel free to retain the enclosed.

Your reply will be treated as a confidential and privileged communication; we will take all responsible steps to see that it is seen only by those directly involved in the promotion process.

Our committee must report to the Academic Council as soon as possible, and it would help us greatly to have your response at your earliest convenience, and no later than _____. If you choose to send your evaluation by e-mail, we request that you also send us a signed hard copy of your letter for the record. The committee and the University are grateful for your help.

Sincerely,
(Chair of Ad Hoc Committee)

Enclosures: (please provide itemized list of enclosures sent to referees)

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Last updated 15Nov04 by dgips@jhu.edu