to expect my university to provide a reference

[homertonb]

for me

Graduated this year. Recently given a job offer and the company are asking for a reference from every place I’ve studied/work (even short temp roles).

I have managed to get references from all previous employers and my Sixth Form college (no questions asked) but not my university.

According to my university website (and a careers advisor at my uni) typically personal tutors will provide references. I have contacted my tutor twice via email, and have been blanked. Also, contacted student pastoral office who emailed my tutor on behalf of me - still nothing back.

Now I don’t know if perhaps I’m being unreasonable to expect a reference from my tutor as he doesn’t know me well at all. (Only met once in first year)

I presume it’s more academic to confirm grades etc rather than a personal/character reference anyway. I can understand a lecturer turning me down but surprised personal tutor can’t help (I haven’t bothered asking any lecturers because I don’t think any know my name and I’m not their responsibility)

Feeling rather down as I had so many job rejections and finally got an offer - only to potentially be turned down for lacking a reference

Believe me, I send all those emails! But I can’t physically haul someone in to see me. There would be absolutely no point in a reference from me for someone I’d met once because I would simply have to say, ‘This student’s transcript says she/he studied here from 2014-2017, and received a 2.2’ — in those circumstances, I will suggest he/she contacts a colleague who taught them on a final year module or their dissertation supervisor.

Most reference forms now are very detailed, and ask questions about exactly how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity, to comment on their performance under various rubrics etc. References for postgraduate courses/scholarships ask about the applicant’s suitability, and whether they’re in the top 1%, 5%, 20% of their cohort/of the students you’ve ever taught etc — none of which you can answer for someone you have met once by looking at their transcript. A student or past student I know (whether they’re my tutee or someone I teach) I will ask for a cv, and some background information, and preferably have them come and talk about the job/postgraduate application etc to make the reference as full as it can be.

Surely there is someone else who led a seminar group or supervision or dissertation or director of studies or someone else who would know your academic work? I’m surprised you can get a degree with such limited contact and oversight of your progress. Does the username suggest your college? We used to ask our academic supervisors for references and always received them even years down the line. Or is there more to it OP?