Dear Professor                                     :

        Dr. John/June Jones of our Department of Phrenology is being considered for promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor with indefinite tenure.  Such promotions are made only after consulting specialists in the appropriate discipline, both at the University of Oregon and elsewhere.

        Your name has been submitted as one who could provide a useful evaluation of Dr. Jones' professional achievements and reputation.  I shall be grateful if you could write a letter to me, outlining what you know of [his/her] scholarship, research accomplishments, publications, and general stature within the profession.  A comparison of Dr. Jones with the best associate professors in the same field would be appreciated.  If possible, please indicate if Dr. Jones would meet requirements for promotion (or tenure) at your current institution.  We recognize that the granting of tenure involves prediction and assessment of potential; if you have any special observations about Dr. Jones in that area, we would be pleased to receive them.  [Requests for information on specific points can be included here.]  I enclose a bibliography and curriculum vitae for your convenience and copies of publications for your specific evaluation.

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       Your reply to this letter within the next two weeks will be most helpful, since we are now preparing all the necessary documents for Dr. Jones' promotion dossier.