Date

Dear :

Professor[_____] is being considered for [tenure] [promotion to] in the Department [College] of at Oregon State University. We customarily write to a select group of leaders in the candidate's field asking them for an independent judgement of the candidate's overall record of scholarship and creative activity. Your frank appraisal of the significance of Professor [_____'s] scholarly contributions and the impact of this work on the field would be greatly appreciated. Your comments about his [her] potential contribution in the future would also be valuable, as well as any additional comments you would like to make. A vita, position description, and the candidate's statement are enclosed for your consideration.

Tenure [and promotion] evaluations at Oregon State University will also consider performance in teaching, advising, and other assigned duties. I invite your evaluations of Professor [_____'s] performance in these areas if you have knowledge of them. [To evaluators at universities]: It would also be helpful to us if you could assess the likelihood that Professor [_____] would be evaluated favorably for promotion [tenure] at your university. [This sentence is optional.]

Professor [_____] has waived his [her] right to access letters of evaluation solicited during the promotion and tenure review process and your letter will therefore be held in confidence unless mandated otherwise in legal proceedings.

-or-

Under Oregon law, Professor [_____] has a right to review all of his [her] promotion file, should he [she] request it. I wish to emphasize that it is important that your letter provide objective and candid assessment of his [her] work.

I am aware of the great demands on your time and therefore would be especially grateful if you were able to provide us with this evaluation by [date]. Your assistance is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

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