Sample Solicitation Letter for Appointment

Dear [recipient name],

I would appreciate your help in evaluating one of our colleagues, [candidate's full name], who is currently being reviewed for appointment as [proposed title/rank]. Your evaluation of this individual's record of accomplishments and impact is being requested as a valued contribution to our appointment process.

Appointment in the University of California is based upon research, teaching, and university and public service. I am primarily concerned with your evaluation of the candidate's research accomplishments and future potential, although you should feel free to comment on the other areas as well. How does [candidate's full name] compare with others in their field who have comparable experience? Would they merit the rank of [proposed title/rank] in your department if their research interests were appropriate to your departmental goals? Additionally, I am interested in any comments you have on the candidate's contributions to equity and inclusion through their research, teaching, and service work, if you are familiar with their record in these areas.

In order to facilitate evaluation, you will be granted access to review materials in our online system. I would very much appreciate receiving your evaluation at your earliest convenience.

Under University of California policy, the identity of authors of letters of evaluation are held in confidence; however, an appointee is entitled to see the main body of your letter after identifying information outside the body of the letter has been redacted.

Please be sure to review the entire statement on the confidentiality of solicited letters at the University of California at https://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.html ¹

The quality of faculty at the University of California is dependent upon receiving informed and objective evaluations of their contributions to the academic community. I appreciate your time and attention.

Sincerely,

[Department Chair Name]
[Department Signature]