Check with the dean's office to find out who to address the letter to. Tell the receptionist or administrative assistant that you want to write a letter of support for the professor. Get a specific name, title and address of the person who should receive the letter. The administrative assistant may advise you to address the letter to the university president, the dean or someone else heading the tenure committee. Check and double-check the spelling of the name and the title.
Type the letter using a standard business format. Begin roughly 10 to 12 lines from the top, depending on the length of the letter. Start with the date while spelling out the month. Skip three lines and add the recipient's address. List the name along with any appropriate title, such as "Dr. Jane Jones." On separate lines immediately below the name add the street address and the city, state and ZIP code.
Skip three lines and add your own name and address on separate lines.
Identify yourself as a student in the first paragraph as you recommend the professor for tenure. State how long you have known the professor, and the classes you have taken that were taught by the professor.
Make positive remarks in the next paragraph about the professor's character, teaching skills and her abilities as an adviser and mentor to students.
Finish the letter by noting that you are thrilled that the professor is under consideration and that you believe the professor has earned a chance at tenure through outstanding service to the university and its students.
End the letter with a complimentary closing such as "Yours truly." Type the address on the front of the envelope and hand deliver it, if possible, for impact.