COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

MSC 3BV

New Mexico State University

P.O. Box 30001

Las Cruces, NM  88003-8001

Telephone:  (505) 646-3821

Fax Number:  (505) 646-3725                                                                                                                                                              

Letter of Reference in Support of:

_________________________________ who is applying to the New Mexico State University Graduate School for admission and financial aid to study in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, majoring in ____________________________.  (Applicant, please fill out the lines above and transmit this form to an instructor or former teacher acquainted with your academic abilities).

============================================================================================================

I.  TO WRITERS OF LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:

The information given in this recommendation will be considered confidential and will be used in the initial selection process only.  This information will not become part of the student’s permanent academic record.  We are particularly interested in the ability of the student to:

n        Pursue graduate study

n        Serve as a teaching assistant

n        Perform Research

n        Serve in a professional capacity in the chosen field

We are also interested in the general character of the applicant.  Please mail this form to the Admissions Committee at the address above,  in which the student plans to major.

In comparison to other graduate students you have known, rate items A through I by a numeric score of 1 to 5, basing your rating on the level of accomplishment you have come to expect of the applicant.  (Ratings are 1-truly outstanding [top 10%]; 2-superior; 3-above average; 4-average; 5-below average; x-inadequate knowledge to rate).

(    )         A.  Intellectual ability                                                                                             (    )         F.  Ability in oral expression

(    )         B.  Mastery of fundamental knowledge in his/her general field                                        (    )         G.  Adequacy of ability for research

(    )         C.  Motivation and drive                                                                                         (    )         H.  Emotional maturity and stability

(    )         D.  Scholarship                                                                                                      (    )         I.  Self-reliance and independence

(    )         E.  Ability in written expression

============================================================================================================

II.  It would be helpful if you could cite special indications bearing upon the applicant’s qualifications as cited above.  The back of this form may be used if additional space is necessary.  For non-US citizens, please indicate the degree of English proficiency for teaching duties.

============================================================================================================

III.  How far do you think this applicant will progress:

                (    )         Will probably complete the doctorate

                (    )         Will probably complete the master’s degree

                (    )         Is not likely to complete a graduate degree without excessive help

                (    )         Is not likely to complete any graduate degree

I have been acquainted with this applicant during the period of _________________ to ________________ as ______________________ (professor, advisor, supervisor, other).

Name (type or print):_________________________________________________Position:________________________________________________

Institution:_________________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________________________