ESTABLISHING A CREDENTIALS FILE

A credentials file is a tool that allows MUW Office of Career Services to serve as a central, secure location for accessing information about a student's potential for success. Establishing a credentials file allows the student to secure only one recommendation from a reference that can be sent for multiple opportunities--graduate/professional schools, internships, or jobs.

A credentials file usually contains:

- Resume
- 3-5 Letters of Recommendation from professors, supervisors, and community leaders who can attest to your abilities
- Unofficial Transcript(s)
- Copies of Teaching Licenses or Other Certification
- Test Results
- Course Listing/Program of Work
- Samples of Work (i.e., writing sample, artwork, composition)

Students who wish to establish a credentials file should:

- Pay a $10 fee to open a new file
- Complete a Credentials File Release Statement and indicate whether the file is to remain confidential or non-confidential
- Distribute 3-5 Reference Evaluation Forms to those individuals who can attest to your potential in your chosen area
- Submit resume, transcript(s), copies of licenses/certification, test results, course listing, samples of work to be included in file.

Things to Remember:

- Only copies of the material in the credentials file will be mailed.
- An official copy of a student's transcript can be secured only at the student's request through the Registrar's Office.
- Credentials file information will be sent 3 times at no charge. A minimum of $3 will be charged thereafter. Any special mailing costs will be charged to the student.
- A confidential credentials file requires written permission from the student for any information to be released. Phone calls do not constitute written permission.
- Files are only kept for a maximum of 3-5 years.

Authorization Request
Credentials File Release
Reference Evaluation