PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School
PLS Alum Charlotte Doran is one of the GVSU Political Science and International Relations alumni starting law school this fall. Charlotte is attending the University of Michigan Law School.
Sep 18, 2024
Guidelines for Political Science and International Relations Students
Students frequently ask instructors for letters of recommendation for graduate school or for employment. Professors are willing and able to write these letters so don’t be afraid to ask. However, it is important that you understand a few things about the process.
First, be sure to ask the best person. Don’t just ask the professor who seems most approachable. Ask a professor who knows you well and has a positive impression of you as a student and as a person. Grades matter for graduate or law school, as the schools are looking for people who can speak to your academic potential.
Second, don’t ask for a letter “on the fly.” Visit the professor during his/her office hours (or make an appointment). Discuss the reasons for the letter and ask to use him/her as a reference. Another option is to email the professor with a polite request, the reasons why you are asking for the letter, and the information listed below.
Third, don’t ask for a letter to be written if you aren’t sure you will apply. These letters take time and faculty are asked to write many, many letters.
Fourth, provide all the information necessary to write a detailed letter. It is in your interest to provide the professor with all the information he or she needs to write a detailed and specific letter. This includes:
Fifth, it is not appropriate to offer or give a gift to a faculty member in exchange for or as a thank you for writing a letter of recommendation.
Finally, keep the letter-writer informed. Once the instructor has spent time writing a letter, s/he will be interested to know whether or not you were given the opportunity.
PLS Alum Charlotte Doran is one of the GVSU Political Science and International Relations alumni starting law school this fall. Charlotte is attending the University of Michigan Law School.
Sep 18, 2024
GVSU student Nancy Hoogwerf attended this year's American Political Science Association conference to present climate policy research with Professor Schneider.
Sep 9, 2024
Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad.
Jul 3, 2024
Sarah D. Pullins is the winner of the Outstanding Paper Award for Political Science and International Relations.
May 3, 2024
The Political Science Department congratulates Professor Michelle Miller-Adams on her retirement.
Apr 15, 2024
September 24, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join Sarah Bailey '18 and Jessie Smeltzer to learn how to protect yourself from identity theft. We will identify the methods used by identity thieves to steal personal information. Learn what information...
September 24, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Gilman Program Application Is Now Open! You'll have thoughtful, engaging essay drafts developing at this point - Now is the time to reflect, revise, consider voice and audience!...
September 24, 2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Interested in intensive language study abroad? Join CLS Program Officers and an alumni ambassador to learn about how the CLS Program can help set a student in STEM apart from the crowd. The...
September 24, 2024 7:00 PM
As our country faces new challenges of division and polarization, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the rhetoric and hostility around us. Despite the challenges, there’s an opportunity to...
September 25, 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Democracy 101 is a series of civic engagement informational seminars. Our second session will feature a panel of student leaders from organizations and others around campus who have made change....