Sample Letter to External Evaluators (Promotion to Full Professor)

Dr. XXXX XXX is due to be reviewed for promotion to Professor in academic year YYYY-YYYY. I am writing to request your confidential evaluation of the qualifications of Dr. XXX for promotion to the rank of Professor of XXXX.

In accordance with Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Policy and 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:

• 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;
• The impact and significant accomplishments of the candidate’s research and creative activity;
• The standing of the candidate in their field;
• The candidate’s teaching and mentoring to the extent you are able to do so; and
• The candidate’s service activities (e.g., public service, service to the profession).

In assessing the candidate’s qualifications for promotion and tenure, please:

• Base your analysis on the criteria and materials provided;
• Indicate whether you would or would not recommend this candidate for promotion at the University of Maryland; and
• 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, if applicable.

The University of Maryland acknowledges that faculty across the academy may have experienced significant disruptions to teaching and mentoring; research, scholarship, and creative activities; service; and extension activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with the disruptions experienced on-campus (please refer to the included timeline of University of Maryland actions from the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 through June 2021), many faculty members had to navigate additional challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and remote work. We ask that you take the unprecedented events of the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration when evaluating the candidate’s activities since spring 2020.

To assist in your evaluation, I am enclosing the following information: Dr. XXX’s latest curriculum vitae and personal statement, copies of the [X number of] sample works listed below selected by Dr. XXX, a copy of the promotion criteria, and a copy of the University COVID-19 Actions Timeline.

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. 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…….. Please send your signed letter on your organization’s letterhead by e-mail to. umd.edu as an attachment.

Chair, APT Review Committee

Department of XXX

enclosures: CV, personal statement, publications (please list), Department promotion criteria, University COVID-19 Actions Timeline