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 For me, the drinking citation isn't as big of an issue as my not knowing the student very well. I would question the student to see if there might be a faculty member who would be a better choice as a letter writer and then would only write the letter as possibly a last resort for the student if he knew nobody else who could write on his behalf. Ideally, a student would want the holy trinity of three solid letters, but if the application is going to be flagged as incomplete, then I would be okay with contributing a lukewarm letter of sorts as someone who doesn't know the student all that well. I think I would also use this as an opportunity to remind him that his actions don't take place in a vacuum. Unwise decisions can come back to haunt you. A judicial citation today on his college record, maybe a drunk driving conviction tomorrow, and possibly a life of checking “Felon” on every job application he ever fills out.~ Kevin Seymore, senior academic counselor, Oklahoma State University, February 7, 2008 I would write the letter. Then, I would remind the student that in this new age of Neo-Puritanism all illegal behavior has the potential to damage a person's resume, and I'd tell him to be more careful. I would also agree with the student that having a glass of pinot noir with your pasta prima vera at age 18 is a criminal act and a status offense in this country but is part of normal life almost everywhere else in the world. A young woman who was like my third daughter was at a bar one night with friends. It was 11:45 p.m. and she was turning 21 at midnight. She reached across the table to take a sip of a friend's beer and was immediately arrested for underage drinking. This horribly criminal behavior did not keep her out of the Peace Corps nor did it keep her from getting her highly responsible government job that she has now. I'm just glad this judgmental culture was not as pervasive when I was in college or I'd have spent most of my college career sitting in front of the disciplinary board. I know all the arguments made by student affairs people. I know students drink to excess and horrible things happen, but I also know that in many countries where drinking is not a criminal act, fewer people drink to excess. I think the best advice I ever gave to my younger daughter, who at age 19 was too much like her mother in college, was, “Damnit, honey, before you do anything, just look over your shoulder!” I would give the same advice to this student.~ Phyllis Mendenhall, coordinator of advising, Teacher Education Department, Miami University, Oxford, OH, February 14, 2008 I would agree with Kevin about knowing the student well enough. Also, what kind of recommended is requested? Is it a character reference? Will they be applying to mentor children at summer camp, to become a member of a student leadership group, or for an academic program of study for biology?In some cases people are caught on the first and only attempt of doing something they shouldn't be doing, but this is very rare! When someone gets caught doing something illegal, more often it is the tip of the iceberg. For example, I have had one speeding ticket in the 20+ years that I have been driving. Is that the only time I was speeding? No. However, it is wrong, it is illegal, and it is my responsibility if I hurt others, hurt myself, or damage property. For me, how a student explains their behavior/actions speaks volumes about character. I listen carefully. Do they take responsibility, blame others, or justify? And consider the intended purpose and audience. If the reference is for academic success, then the academic record, skills, persistence toward educational goals are the points to mention in a reference letter. ~ Julie Sperrazza, academic advisor, Arizona State University, February 26, 2008 The Mentor is published by Penn State's Division of Undergraduate Studies Available online at www.psu.edu/dus/mentor/ Privacy and Legal Statements | Copyright | © The Pennsylvania State University | All rights reserved | |
