MSBS Program Letters
The reference letter distributed by the MSBS Program is the MSBS Program Letter. It is a formal letter of evaluation issued by the program that serves as an evaluation tool in the application process for professional training programs. At the end of each semester, the MSBS Faculty will submit evaluations of all MSBS students to the MSBS Program. The MSBS Leadership Team reviews this data and other data on students non-academic performance and determines whether a significant concern exists. If it does, the concerning data is moved forward to the MSBS-SPC for review and consideration for a recommendation category (e.g. “Recommend with Enthusiasm”, “Recommend”, “Recommend with Reservation”, “Do not Recommend”). Upon a student’s request, in writing, the MSBS Program will use the non-academic and academic data and the SPC’s recommendation to compose a Program Letter, which is analogous to a Committee Letter at many other institutions. The letter summarizes the level of accomplishment a student has achieved during the MSBS Program. This includes information regarding a student’s entry and progress through the program, the academic record, involvement in extracurricular activities, compliance with academic policies, demonstration of professionalism and ethical understanding, and comments from some or all of the MSBS Faculty. The Program Letter attempts to represent each student as positively as feasible, but academic or non-academic concerns may be included if necessary to accurately represent the student's performance with integrity. Requests for Program Letters may be denied if academic or non-academic performance is unsatisfactory or insufficient. Please refer to the MSBS SPC Policies and Procedures for detailed information regarding issuing of Program Letters.
The following criteria must be met for the MSBS Program to issue a Program Letter.
Student has completed at least one semester and is in good academic standing
The student has submitted the letter request through the application platform of the professional schools to which they are applying.
MSBS SPC recommendation category is higher than “Do Not Recommend”
Letter is issued for applications for professional training programs only and will be submitted directly to the institution or application platform used
Students indicate their waiver preference within the application service. Professional schools generally prefer confidential letter submissions as these allow evaluators to provide more detailed and candid assessments. Students who choose to retain access acknowledge that the program and its evaluators may provide a more limited or general recommendation.
Letter is requested in writing at least four weeks prior to desired submission
Tier 1 students may be issued a Program Letter at the end of the Fall Semester
Tier 2, Tier 3, and un-tiered graduated students may be issued a Program Letter at the end of their final semester
Personal Letters
If the above criteria are not met or if the student desires for other reasons, then a student may request a Personal Letter from a university employee. This is ideal for students applying for jobs or scholarships and is written by an individual member of the MSBS team, typically a faculty member. This letter represents the individual author’s perspectives, does not include formal MSBS Program recommendation, and does not represent the thoughts and opinions of the MSBS Program as a whole. While a letter may be requested prior to the completion of the first semester, these are often denied due to inadequate time and experience to represent the student accurately. The MSBS Program encourages authors of the Personal Letter to represent the student as positively as feasible, but to include academic or non-academic concerns if necessary to accurately represent the student's performance with integrity.
The following criteria must be met to issue a personal letter.
Student has attempted or completed credits in the MSBS Program
The student has submitted the letter request through the application platform of the professional schools to which they are applying or has requested the required letter through the appropriate channels (e.g., scholarship office, HPSP, etc.).
Letter is submitted directly to the organization or application platform for which the letter is being requested
Letter is requested in writing at least four weeks prior to desired submission