Is it unethical to give a gift to my professor who might potentially write me a LOR?

Question

Undergrad going to apply for graduate school. I recently came back from a trip where I got some goodies - I thought it would be nice to give some of my favorite professors gifts. However, I am now concerned there might be some ethical issues at hand here. I will definitely ask them for LORs and it is unlikely they will refuse. However, will giving them the gift before requesting a LOR prevent them from being able to say yes to writing a letter? Also, is it just wrong to do such a thing - it might be considered close to bribery (but then again I am not deliberately stating that I want a better LOR nor am I giving them the gifts because I want such a thing).

Giving them the gift after having requested the letter is not an option as this goodie does have an expiration date. I am not sure how to proceed. (The goodie is less than $13)

Answer 1

Your first sentence tells us that you are still a student in the institution where these professors teach. If you are currently in classes with any of these professors, or there is any possibility that you will be in their classes in the future, do not offer a gift, either prior to a request for an LOR or as a thank-you for having written one.

Giving anything of value to someone who will assign a grade is almost certain to make the professor uncomfortable and, although very unlikely, could cause the professor a great deal of difficulty.

Finally, consider that writing letters of recommendation is part of a professor's job. You shouldn't think of doing anything that will seem like compensation for a professor having done the professor's job.

The things I value most from students for whom I've written LORs are notes telling me that they've been admitted and thanking me for my part in making that happen. A particularly nice one was written on a postcard depicting the former student's new university.

Keep the goodies or share them with fellow students. Send the professors a nice note after you've graduated and been admitted to graduate school.

Answer 2

That really depends on the university’s code of conduct. Most universities place a limit on the cash value that gifts to professors can have. In some cases the limit is “any positive value”. In my university it’s 50$ I believe. In any case, if the gift is something cultural from your home country that could be ok. But, check with HR if you’re unsure, or it’ll be awkward for everyone.

As a professor I think my reaction to this would really depend on our relationship (like if you’re a random student in a 200 student class vs a student in a 10 person seminar), and the time between asking for the reference and giving the gift. You don’t want it to appear as if you’re giving the present expecting something in return. So don’t give the present and then immediately ask for the reference. Even if it’s not your intent, it may come off as bribe-y.

Answer 3

Don't put your prof in an ethical conundrum. In general, but especially in today's edge-sharp atmosphere of scrutiny, it is not good to even leave anything close to the impression than improper dealings are taking place.

It does not matter that you do not intend it as such, but that it can be construed as such (by people with an overdeveloped imagination or with malign intentions).

It is true that most schools now have a "trifle" threshold below which gifts can be accepted (though some schools require documentation for each attempted or completed gifting, depending on whether the value exceeded the acceptable threshold). Nonetheless, to some people, the cleanest and most unambiguous solution is simply refusing gifts outright (a postcard with a nice text - if that is somehow warranted through your interactions with the prof - is fine).

All of this is independent of your request of an LOR - but the latter makes the point much more acutely relevant.

Answer 4

Goodies are great. I am sure if they are happy to write a recommendation letter, a goodie would be a nice gesture. If they refuse, I am sure they will suggest others to help you out and I am sure you have plan B ready and wouldn't be resentful over a $13 gift.

The cost and the rarity of the gift is significant though, just for completeness sake (which doesn't apply to your case), many institutions have mandatory conflict of interest declaration and gift policies now. Some places have a solid dollar value in a calendar year that would trigger a mandatory reporting. I have heard one place having an estimated monetary $250 in total of gifts a year (hard to guess when it is a gift I know, but has to be done). For some people a $500 to $1000 might be a "goodie" and nothing so a dollar value is important. Would be interesting to check out the policy at your university/institution.

Good luck with your LOR. I hope it goes well.

Answer 5

Best practice is to save the gift for after the professor writes the letter of recommendation. That way it's 100% clear that it is a thank-you gift.

Also, let them know the results of your applications. Very few students do, in my experience.