Dear Dr. XXXXXX:
Dr./Mx. XXXX XXX is due to be reviewed for [Principal Lecturer/ Clinical Professor/ Research Scientist/ etc.] in academic year YYYY-YYYY. [Brief description of title, if applicable.] I am writing to request your confidential evaluation of the qualifications of Dr./Mx. XXX for promotion to this rank.
In accordance with the AEP Guidelines adopted by the University of Maryland, College of XXXX and Department of XXXX at College Park, I am required to indicate the criteria for promotion and request your evaluation of the following:
- [For faculty engaged in research] The quality and impact of the candidate’s research and creative activity, including the quality of the candidate’s publications, exhibitions, or performances; the quality of the journals, presses, or outlets in which the candidate has published, exhibited, or performed; and the candidate’s potential for future contributions;
- [For faculty engaged in teaching] The candidate’s teaching and mentoring (to the extent you are able to do so); and
- The candidate’s service to the profession; Please evaluate the candidate’s qualifications for promotion based on the criteria and materials provided. Based on your evaluation, please indicate whether you would or would not recommend this candidate for promotion at the University of Maryland. If applicable, please comment on the nature of your professional interaction with the candidate and also on the candidate’s collaboration with other scholars in his/her field.
To assist in your evaluation, I am enclosing the following information: Dr./Mx. XXX’s latest curriculum vitae and personal statement, copies of the [X number of] sample works listed below selected by Dr./Mx. XXX, and a brief summary of the promotion criteria.
I realize that this information is rather extensive and will require considerable effort on your part to review. However, your assistance in helping evaluate Dr./Mx. XXX’s credentials will be greatly appreciated and will constitute an important element in the overall evaluation. I would be very grateful if you could respond to us in writing no later than… If possible, would you
send your reply electronically to umd.edu as an attachment [or submitted online, e.g., Dropbox link]?
Sincerely,
XXXX X. XXXXXX
Chair, AEP Review Committee
Department of XXX
enclosures: CV, personal statement, publications (please list), Department promotion criteria