Professors only...?

Question

If a student asked you for a letter of recommendation via email, if you don't feel that you can give them one, isn't it better to tell the student that rather than to just not respond back? I am certain he received the email, he just chose to ignore it.

Answer 1

Asking for a letter of recommendation in person would be preferred to email unless distance prevented doing it in person. Nonetheless, the student does deserve a response either way.

Answer 2

How do you know for certain that he read it? Many professors (myself being one) do not really enjoy doing 'school work' on summer break so maybe he's not checking his school email right now. Also, didn't you say this was a visiting lecturer? Are you certain he even is using the same email address? In any case, though, you really should ask a professor who knows you QUITE WELL ... otherwise, he/she will not feel comfortable writing the letter. So my advice is to ask someone else and forget about the other professor.

Answer 3

It depends on the individual. I have lecturers i know would ignore an email about anything and one that hate computers (and he's a scientist). If you attended all his classes, did any assignments ontime and get average-good grades and really try then you should be entitled to some sort of response.

Answer 4

Some people are just bad at answering their email, especially if it means they have to do something. I've been guilty of it myself, I'm afraid. Since you know he got the email, I'd just find someone else to write you a rec. Even if he agreed to write one, he might not get around to doing it on time (another one of my faults).

Answer 5

Perhaps he found it rude that you did not ask in person?