Writing Recs for PNMs

[kdonline]

Even though I moved from Miami 2 years ago, I am still listed as Kappa Delta HQ's recommendation contact. No one else has stepped up. That's fine, because I still have lots of contacts through the school system, alumnae association, Junior League, etc. It usually takes an email or a phone call to the school, which I don't mind doing. I do my best to find someone who knows the PNM personally, or who can meet with her. And if I can't, then based on the info I collect, I decide whether or not to write the rec. I DO take this seriously, and do not want to risk my reputation for a PNM I've never met.

Anyway, I am always asked to write a rec for girls I don't know, esp for the Florida schools. On KD's rec form, there IS a box to check stating that I don't know this girl personally. And just in case, I always state that in my write up on the "personality profile."

I also:
1) get a resume and a picture.
2) send my own questions to the PNM, asking the specific questions that our rec form lists. (I'll be happy to share these with anyone - PM me.)
3) and yes, I also check myspace, friendster, facebook, etc for some insight on the PNM. After I do, I tell her to clean it up - even if it doesn't need cleaning.

If the PNM does not share her GPA with me, or if I find out something I don't like, I just don't write the rec. If she has a low GPA & has a good reason for it, I ask for an explanation.

Now, this may sound like a lot to do for someone I don't know, but I have a visible "unofficial" position with Kappa Delta, and I feel I have my personal reputation to uphold.

P.S. KD uses a Word version of the rec form now, so these are easy for me to write up, when I have the information I need.