I work in the Career Center at a university, and had the opportunity to mentor and work with a group of interns this past semester. One student has asked me for a recommendation and review for his graduate applications for Student Affairs projects. I have a few problems with writing one due to the following reasons:
1. I have a copy of the student's transcript, which indicates a GPA below 3.0 including the . From what he has shown me on his application, he states that he has a 3.0 GPA. Should I indicate that he should not due so before turning his applications in? I have a feeling he has already submitted applications that only require 2 recs, with this false information.
2. I was working on a project with this student to be presented at the Career Center's start of the semester event next week. He said he would finish the project over winter break. I followed up with him over email over a week ago, asking how the project was coming along. He replied today saying that he just recieved his laptop back from Apple after sending it in weeks ago, and that they wiped EVERYTHING off of his laptop without asking him. I do not own a Macbook, but looking online about apple products, this does NOT make sense. I'm not completely sure he is lying, so if anyone has a Macbook and could clear this up for me, that would be helpful. Otherwise, should I ask for proof of having the laptop sent in and wiped out for not having the project completed? Or just let it be and see if he completed it by the time we need it?
Because of these two issues, I do not feel comfortable writing a LOR. If he is lying about the second issue, he is outright being dishonest about his work. Talking to another employee who worked with him, he has a history of being flaky and full of excuses. Is there an appropriate way to deny his request? Should I go into detail?
