In the competitive landscape of academia and industry, a truly effective letter of support is more than just a formality—it is a critical component that can determine a candidate’s success. This guide provides faculty with clear, actionable strategies and critical checklists to help writers create compelling, unbiased, and highly impactful letters.

We recognize that writing a strong letter demands significant time and insight. Therefore, this resource offers practical advice on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools responsibly to enhance your writing process, while clearly defining the authentic personal observations and professional credibility that only you can provide.

Read our insights about generic writing in the article “Generic Writing Doesn’t Win Faculty Awards” from the Engr OFDS January 2026 newsletter.

The materials linked below were created by Dr. Kirsti Cole (Co-Director of the Campus Writing and Speaking Program) and will help you write powerful support letters by focusing on:

• selecting strong achievement-focused language
• avoiding pitfalls like vague praise and passive voice
• highlighting quantifiable accomplishments and objective leadership.

For questions or support, contact Kirsti Cole at [email protected].