How to Get to a Reference Letter from Instructors When You’re an Online Student

Online learning has changed the way we think about college. We’re no longer restricted by the time a class is offered, or where it is on campus - we can carve out the time that works best for us and attend class anywhere from a coffee shop to a tropical beach. Despite the many conveniences of online courses, it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest is that it can be difficult to get to know an instructor and form a strong student-teacher relationship when you never see them in person. These types of relationships are valuable not only for mentoring opportunities, but also when it comes time to request letters of recommendation for jobs and/or graduate school. Without that traditional connection that you would have had from seeing each other in class three times a week, you may find it difficult to approach them for a recommendation. You may find yourself looking back and wishing you had more mentoring or a closer relationship with your professors.

As you apply for jobs and grad school, you’ll often be asked for references from professors. Imagine that you are applying for law school. You did exceptionally well in an online American Government eCore course. However, without ever physically attending the class, you’re now wondering if the professor even remembers you or that stellar argumentative paper that you wrote about the current state of the media and government.

First of all, don’t assume that you didn’t stand out. Send the instructor a brief email requesting a reference. Provide information about yourself in the course, including the semester you took it, your major, and your final grade. Hopefully, you’ve saved a copy of a paper that you can attach as well. Finally, be sure to point out some specifics that you remember about the class and key takeaways that you gained from that instructor.

For future online courses, there are several ways to stand out. The biggest way to make an impression - keep that communication open! Be sure to email your instructor at the beginning of a course, and to reach out a few times over the course of the semester. Ask for clarification on content or career advice. Ensure that you are always professional in your emails, but also share an occasional personal detail as well. Near the end of the term, email the instructor and ask if you may use them as a reference in the future.
Another way to stand out is simply through your class performance. Try to be among the first who posts on the discussion board. When appropriate, relate the discussion question to your own personal experiences. Be active in the course and never be afraid to shine.

USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond.
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By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu
Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu

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