Heads up: some schools with automated application systems are asking for letters of reference *now*

In the past, most recommendations were over the phone or via email, and were less formal than a letter of reference, which usually came later in the process, when a school was serious about a particular candidate.  That started to change a bit a few years ago, but now some schools, which require candidates to apply online, are asking recommenders for letters now (before the FAR is even out!).   (The case brought to my attention is the University of Utah.)   This is an unhappy development for recommenders, but they need to be aware!