Letter of Recommendation from a graduate student instructor?

[JakAttk]

I know that similar questions have been asked before but I haven't quite found the answer to this question.

I have my science LoRs figured out, but I am trying to figure out who to ask for my non-STEM one. Most of the humanities courses that I've taken recently are taught entirely by a graduate student, with no professor listed anywhere. I've built a relationship with one in particular, who I believe could speak to my strengths better than any non-STEM professors that I've had.

I know that most schools are looking for professor letters, so what's the best course of action here? Do I just need to get to know a humanities professor better, or should I ask the grad student if his advisor would cosign the letter? I know professor letters are generally preferred but the problem is most of the courses taught by professors at my school are large lectures which makes it much harder for me to build a relationship.

Thanks for any help!

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[deleted1169403]

If it’s a grad student with no PhD, I’d ask for a co-sign from the department dean or their advisor. Also send them the AAMC letter writer guidelines so they know what to put in a letter specific for med school.

 

[MD_Maker]

I had a letter cosigned by the grad student and professor. People do it all the time. It's fine

 

[lioneljohn]

The best course of action is often a combination of leveraging the graduate student's detailed knowledge of your strengths and obtaining the endorsement or co-signature of a professor. This approach provides both detailed insights and meets formal requirements. If time allows, also work on building relationships with professors to broaden your options for future recommendations. Good luck!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Same rules can apply: get the department chair to co-sign.

It's odd that the OP states that the course is taught by a graduate student but with no supervising professor. Usual academic procedure doesn't just let graduate students teach anything they want; someone has to clear it so it goes to the registrar. I don't know if this is a special readings/tutorial course, but the department chair (or maybe a faculty member assigned as director of graduate studies?) should be responsible for the course taught by a graduate student.

 

[JakAttk]

Same rules can apply: get the department chair to co-sign.

It's odd that the OP states that the course is taught by a graduate student but with no supervising professor. Usual academic procedure doesn't just let graduate students teach anything they want; someone has to clear it so it goes to the registrar. I don't know if this is a special readings/tutorial course, but the department chair (or maybe a faculty member assigned as director of graduate studies?) should be responsible for the course taught by a graduate student.

Yeah I should have been clear: there's no professor listed anywhere that is available to students, but I'm sure the student does have a supervising professor. I'll reach out to him. Thanks everyone!