Credential Files
Fall 2012 Announcement:
The credential file system will be retired as of June 1, 2013!
Through feedback we have received from faculty, students, admissions counselor's and employers, we have found that the majority of graduate/professional schools and employers have moved to using electronic links to obtain reference letters. Individual links to their respective databases are sent to individuals listed as references for our students. Thus, the credential file is becoming obsolete. For this reason, the CDC will be retiring the credential file system effective June 1, 2013.
All faculty and staff at Randolph College have been informed via email announcements prior to this taking place.
All former letters of recommendation will be shredded after June 1, 2013.
If you wish to have reference letters written on your behalf, please follow the guidelines established by the graduate/professional school you are applying to. Also, please remind your faculty references to keep electronic copies of your letters for future updates and uploads.
What is a Credential File?
The credential file is a paper based confidential file used to store hard copy letters of recommendation from professors and previous employers. The file may be sent to prospective employers and graduate schools to support your application.
How to Establish a Credential File
To establish a file, you must first complete a Credential Release Form. The top portion of the Recommendation Form should then be completed and a recommendation form should be given to each person you have asked to write a reference letter. The form should be attached to the letter and returned to the Experiential Learning Center office. Your letters will be held in a file in the Experiential Learning Center.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you have the right to review all contents of your file unless you waive that right. You must indicate whether you retain or waive the right to review the contents of your file on the Credentials Release Form.
Please note: It is preferred by graduate and professional schools and school districts that recommendations be confidential—waiving your right to review the contents of your file.
What goes in a Credential File?
If applying to graduate school, you will want two recommendations from College faculty or staff; at least one member of your major department who knows you and your work is suggested.
Student teachers are advised to include their supervising teacher and a member of the Education Department as references. Former employers and internship supervisors can also serve as references.
Providing references with a copy of your resume can be helpful to them in writing the recommendation. You should provide off campus references with a stamped envelope addressed to the Experiential Learning Center.
Procedures for Having File Forwarded to an Employer or Graduate/Professional School.
To have a copy of your Credential File sent, you must notify the Experiential Learning Center in writing (fax or email are fine). Include the name, address and any other information we will need to mail your Credential File. Also, be sure to include your current email, mailing address and phone number so we can notify you that your file has be sent. The first ten requests will be sent at no charge to you. Each request thereafter will cost $3 per packet. All requests that are faxed will cost $1 per page. We process requests within 42 hours after receipt. Email us at cdcinfo@randolphcollege.edu.
