Importance of a Credential File

1
Importance of a Credential File

• Presented by
• Career and Professional Development Center
• Frostburg State University

2
Opening a Credential File

• Must sign Credential File Activation Form
• A 20.00 Activation fee maintains your file for 7
  years. Activation fee may be paid at the
  Business Office during business hours. (Forms
  for opening your file may be obtained on our web
  page)
• 2 types of files
• Open-Retain your right to see content of file
• Closed-Waive right to see your letter of
  recommendations. Letters of recommendations for
  closed files must be mailed to our office in a
  sealed envelope w/the senders name signed across
  the back seal of the envelope.

3
Credential File Policies

• Original copies should be placed in your file.
• Individual responsible for updating their
  information and keeping it current..
• Requests made by student and employer by emailing
  careerservices_at_frostburg.edu or by filling out a
  Send To form located in our office or on our
  website as a PDF file.
• A original copy of your official transcripts
  should be keep in your credential file. You may
  obtain a transcript by visiting the Registrars
  Office

4
EXTRA INFORMATION TO HELP OUT

• Students can remove items from their file at any
  time.
• Letters of recommendation can be removed by name
  of author, however, once removed they cant be
  returned to the file. Any confidential
  recommendations are destroyed immediately when
  removed.
• Once a file has be opened at a closed file and
  any information has been put in them, the file
  must remained closed or you can have the file
  destroyed and start the opening of a credential
  file process all over again.
• After the 7 year maintenance period, the file
  will be destroyed. If you wish to have your file
  remain active after the 7 year period , you MUST
  repay the 20.00 activation fee at the business
  office again before the 7 year deadline.

5
Statement of Interest

• Purpose is to allow graduate programs to learn
  about your strengths.
• Elements in a statement of interest
• Goals desired from the program
• Philosophy/Theoretical approach to the degree
  sought
• Experience that highlight your strengths
• Expression of your values and commitment to the
  profession

6
Resume

• Layout/Presentation must be Professional
• Use action verbs that show tell what your
  skills, strengths, and accomplishments are
• Laser printed on quality resume paper
• Make and appointment and bring your resume by our
  office for critiquing _at_ 301-687-4403.

7
Letters of Recommendation

• Ask people who champion your career
• Can you write me a strong letter of
  recommendation?
• Give writer courtesy of time, addressed
  envelopes, and copy of your resume
• Give writer at least 2 month notice.
• Writer may use form or write a letter
• Keep recommendations current
• Do you want a closed or open file?

8
Test Scores, Transcript, Certificates, and stuff

• Test scores-NTE/Praxis, GREs, GMAT must be
  requested by the Counseling Center _at_ 301-687-4234
  to be sent to file
• Only original transcripts may be in file
• Certificates may be submitted to file
• Files cannot include health records,
  fingerprints , citizenship, birth certificates,
  or copies of academic work

9
Our office can help you124 Sand Spring Hall
687-4403

• Critiquing resumes,majors counseling and
  internship assistance
• Career decision-making/goal setting
• Job search and networking assistance
• Interviewing strategies and mock interviews
• Applying to graduate school