Letters of Recommendation
A new bill was signed into California state law that adds section 66284 to the California Education Code effective January 1, 2025 (reference AB 1905 “Public postsecondary education: employment: settlements, informal resolutions, and retreat rights”), and requires the University to adopt a written policy regarding official letters of recommendation, among other requirements, as a condition of receiving state funding.
California Education Code Section 66284 requires that public postsecondary educational institutions, as a condition of receiving state financial assistance, adopt a written policy about Official Letters of Recommendation that includes the following requirements:
- Any administrator or supervisor who elects to provide an Official Letter of Recommendation to an employee must consult with the appropriate entities to determine if the employee is a respondent in a sexual harassment complaint filed with the University.
- Administrators and supervisors are prohibited from providing an Official Letter of Recommendation if it is determined the employee is a respondent in a sexual harassment complaint and any of the following has occurred:
- There is a “final administrative decision” (sustained finding) that the employee committed sexual harassment;
- The employee resigned while an investigation is pending and before a final administrative decision is made; OR,
- The employee enters into a settlement with the University based on the allegations arising from the sexual harassment complaint.
This restriction applies to any Official Letter of Recommendation written for current and former employees, which includes academic appointees, staff employees, as well as student employees. Please see the following FAQ’s for additional information for staff and academic employees.
Interim Guidance - Staff Letters of Recommendation
Interim Guidance - Academic Letters of Recommendation
Should you wish to write an Official Letter of Recommendation, please contact HumanResources@ucanr.edu for clearance.