While departments play a critical role in evaluating applicants and making recommendations, the official admission process for graduate students at the University of Iowa is managed by the Graduate Admissions Office. Departments review applications and identify candidates they wish to admit, but these decisions are not final until approved by Graduate Admissions. This centralized review ensures compliance with university-wide standards, verification of credentials, and adherence to policies set by the Graduate College. By maintaining this structure, Iowa guarantees consistency, fairness, and integrity across all graduate programs.

Departments do not need to send to send a department letter for recommendation of admission. See the attached text here for what is sent by Graduate Admissions.

For those who wish to send a department letter for recommendation of admission, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) template below ensures consistency, clarity, and compliance across all departmental communications. 

Download the AY 2026-2027 department letter for recommendation of admission template here.

It is acceptable to deviate from this template if your department creates their own version of a department letter for recommendation of admission, so long as you get approval from your Area Associate Dean. You may request review by emailing your draft to the Graduate Affairs Manager or submitting your draft here. Please allow us a week to review and respond to your request.

CLAS department letter for recommendation of admission best practices:

  • Using the term “Recommended for Admissions”
  • Including academic information only
    • Advisor, if known
    • Visit days, if known
    • Academic orientation dates, if known
    • Contact information for DGS, or other department contacts
  • Decision timeline and expectation
  • Having the DEO or Admin sign on behalf of the department
  • Saving a copy of each individual's letter and providing copies to the department for record keeping
  • If the student is being considered for a fellowship, assistantship, or other funding opportunity, keep those award details separate from this letter