The first step in using the Department's placement service is assembling a dossier to be kept on file in the Department office. The dossier consists of:
- Dossier cover sheet* (prepared by job seeker) — The cover sheet must be signed as it authorizes the department to release the dossier for placement purposes.
- Letters of recommendation (requested by job seeker; give each recommender a signed release form)
*These forms, along with recommendation request/waiver forms, are available for download from the Professionalization Google Drive.
Use the release forms to request letters of recommendation. Mark the form to show whether you waive your right of access to the letter. Each dossier and all letters in it are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 whereby all recommendations are non-confidential unless access has been waived, in which case they are confidential and access cannot be granted under any circumstance. Recommendations should be in letter form and submitted by the recommender, along with the waiver/request form, directly to the Department office in paper form or (preferable_ email to mbiggs@umich.edu. (Department faculty should use Department letterhead.) If you are requesting a recommendation by mail, send the waiver/request form along with the letter requesting the recommendation. You will be notified as each recommendation is received; please keep track of which have been received and which are still outstanding. It is your responsibility to remind your recommenders as your application deadlines approach.
Requests to Send Dossiers
Once the dossier is complete, you may request copies be sent out by sending an email to Michelle Biggs at mbiggs@umich.edu. Please include the institution name, addresses or submission information (i.e. upload to site, via email, via US mail), application deadlines of the institutions, and which letters should be included (if you have more than 3) in the email. Dossiers will generally be sent out within 2-4 working days of when we receive the request. However, please keep deadlines in mind when you submit your requests. First class mail can take anywhere from 2-5 days depending on the destination. A record will be kept showing to whom dossiers have been sent and you will receive an email confirmation when your dossier is sent.
More detailed instructions for setting up your dossier and submitting requests can be found on the Professionalization Google Drive.
Fees
The Department is happy to offer this service free of charge with the exception of costs for express or overnight mail.
Progress Reports
Please keep the Department informed of your progress in the position search and let the Chair or DGS know immediately when interviews are scheduled or offers received or accepted.
