Letters of Evaluation

Letters of evaluation are required for the review of candidates for appointment, promotion and tenure. The letters provide essential information to reviewers on the evaluation of a candidate’s contributions, achievements, and their academic reputation outside UMass Chan Medical School.

Faculty members are strongly recommended to develop a list of individuals who can be solicited for letters of evaluation at an early stage—ideally several years prior to their review for promotion or tenure.

Click here to download a guide on Letters of Evaluation (pdf).

The procedure for soliciting Letters of Evaluation is described here.

Letters of Evaluation are divided into three categories (APP Section 3.12.c):

• Category 1 Letters: Attestations. Letters from any individuals who can attest to the candidate’s qualifications; required for appointment or promotion to any rank. See here for more information.
  
  
• Category 2 Letters: Unbiased External Evaluations. Letters from non-UMass Chan Medical School individuals who can provide an unbiased evaluation of the candidate; required for appointment or promotion to Associate Professor or Professor. See here for more information.
  
  
• Category 3 Letters: Teaching and Mentoring. Optional letters from students, trainees and/or mentees attesting to the candidate’s effectiveness in their educational activities. See here for more information.

Minimum Requirements for Letters

Personnel Action	Category 1	Category 2	Category 3
Appointment/promotion to Instructor/Assistant Professor	minimum 3	not required	any number
Appointment/promotion to Associate Professor/Professor	minimum 3	minimum 3	any number
Award of Tenure	any number	minimum 5	any number