If you’re a student applying to graduate school or a job, you’ll likely need recommendation letters from your professors or employers. However, those who are writing your letters may need access to your academic records to write an effective letter. This is where a recommendation letter FERPA waiver comes in. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips, examples, and frequently asked questions about recommendation letter FERPA waiver.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter FERPA Waiver
Before we dive into examples, let’s go over some tips for writing a recommendation letter FERPA waiver:
1. Understand what a FERPA waiver is: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records. By signing a FERPA waiver, you’re giving up your right to access your recommendation letters.
2. Choose the right people to write your letter: Think about the people who know you best and can write a strong letter of recommendation. Typically, these are professors, advisors, or employers who have worked closely with you.
3. Explain why you’re asking for a FERPA waiver: In your request for a recommendation letter, explain why a FERPA waiver is necessary. This will help your recommenders understand why they need to sign the waiver.
4. Provide your recommenders with a copy of your transcript and resume: By providing your recommenders with these documents, you’re giving them more information to write a stronger letter.
5. Thank your recommenders: Don’t forget to thank your recommenders for taking the time to write a letter for you. A thank you note or email can go a long way.
Examples of Recommendation Letter FERPA Waiver
Graduate School Application
Dear Professor [Last Name],
Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I would like to request that you sign a FERPA waiver to give you full access to my academic records. I believe that this will allow you to write a stronger letter on my behalf. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this request.
Thank you again for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Job Application
Dear [Employer’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. As part of my application, I am asking for a letter of recommendation from my previous employer, [Employer’s Name]. In order to provide [Employer’s Name] with full access to my academic records, I am requesting a FERPA waiver. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this request.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Dear [Professor’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the graduate teaching assistantship position. As part of my application, I am requesting a letter of recommendation from you. To give you full access to my academic records, I would like to request a FERPA waiver. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this request.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Summer Internship
Dear [Employer’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the summer internship position at [Company Name]. As part of my application, I am asking for a letter of recommendation from my previous supervisor, [Supervisor’s Name]. I am requesting a FERPA waiver to give [Supervisor’s Name] full access to my academic records. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this request.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Research Assistantship
Dear Professor [Last Name],
Thank you for considering me for the research assistantship position. As part of my application, I am requesting a letter of recommendation from you. To give you full access to my academic records, I would like to request a FERPA waiver. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this request.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Scholarship Application
Dear Professor [Last Name],
Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for me. As part of my scholarship application, I am requesting that you sign a FERPA waiver to give you full access to my academic records. I believe that this will allow you to write a stronger letter on my behalf. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this request.
Thank you again for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Medical School Application
Dear Professor [Last Name],
Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for my medical school application. I would like to request that you sign a FERPA waiver to give you full access to my academic records. I believe that this will allow you to write a stronger letter on my behalf. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about this request.
Thank you again for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions about Recommendation Letter FERPA Waiver
How do I ask for a FERPA waiver?
To ask for a FERPA waiver, simply include a request in your email or letter asking for the recommendation letter. You can say something like, “I would like to request that you sign a FERPA waiver to give you full access to my academic records.” Be sure to explain why you’re asking for the waiver and thank the person for their time and support.
Can I get a recommendation letter without a FERPA waiver?
Yes, you can still get a recommendation letter without a FERPA waiver. However, without access to your academic records, your recommenders may not be able to provide as much detail in their letter.
Can I see the recommendation letter with a FERPA waiver?
No, by signing a FERPA waiver, you’re giving up your right to access the recommendation letter. This helps ensure that the letter is honest and confidential.
Are FERPA waivers required for all recommendation letters?
No, FERPA waivers are not required for all recommendation letters. However, they are often used when the recommender needs access to your academic records to write a stronger letter.
Can I revoke a FERPA waiver after it’s been signed?
No, once a FERPA waiver has been signed, it cannot be revoked. This is why it’s important to choose your recommenders carefully and only ask those who you trust to write a strong letter on your behalf.
How long does it take to get a recommendation letter with a FERPA waiver?
The time it takes to get a recommendation letter with a FERPA waiver varies depending on the person writing the letter. It’s best to give your recommenders at least a few weeks to write the letter and sign the waiver.
Conclusion
Getting recommendation letters is an important part of the application process for graduate school and jobs. By understanding and requesting a FERPA waiver, you can help your recommenders write a stronger letter on your behalf. Use the tips and examples in this article to help you navigate the process with ease.