Credentials Service
A credential file is a confidential file that contains your letters of recommendations from professors/instructors and/or previous employers. The files are housed at the Center for Career Development and are available to individuals employed in the CCD and to bona fide potential employers and graduate/professional programs as required by those parties per the Credentials Service Agreement/Release Authorization completed by the registrant.
Registration Eligibility Requirements
- hold a degree from the College or
- currently enrolled and have completed at least two quarters of course work
Creating a Credential File
Setting up a credential file requires completing a Credentials Service Agreement/Release Authorization. It is your responsibility to set up a credential file and see that materials are sent to the Center for Career Development to be placed in your file.
We strongly suggest at least three letters of reference for your credential file, and more is even better. You should consider the suggestions that the Center for Career Development has for requesting recommendations and/or references. When requesting a letter of recommendation from an individual, use the Request for Letter of Reference form provided by the Center for Career Development.
It is in your best interest to follow up with the individuals from whom you requested a letter of reference. Additionally, you may call or email us to find out what is in your file or if your letters of reference have been submitted for your file.
Education Students
Evaluation(s) of student teaching are copied by the Education Department and sent to the Center for Career Development for filing into each credential file. If a credential file has not been set up, items are put into a general file and can not be sent out until the student sets up their credential file.
The State of Michigan no longer sends a copy of teaching certificates to the Education Department. Students may want to make a copy of their certificate for their credential file. You may mail or drop it off at the Center for Career Development.
Requesting a Credential File
When you request that your credential files be sent to individuals, institutions, or organizations, you may contact the Center for Career Development by letter, email, or fax. When sending your request please include the following information:
- Your name
- Graduation year
- Current address (for billing)
- Daytime phone number
- Complete address to whom the credential copies are to be sent
When the contents of your file are sent out, one copy of your credential file is made and a general cover letter from Center for Career Development is added. Many school districts and graduate schools want this sent by your college or university for credibility purposes.
There is a $3.00 processing fee for each file sent. For files over ten pages in length there is an added charge of $0.25 for each page. Payment should be made in a prompt and timely manner. Requests for official transcripts must be made through the Registrar's Office. Transcripts are $3.00 per set. An unofficial transcript can be placed into your credential file at your request to the Registrar's Office, but keep in mind that most school districts and graduate schools request an official transcript.
Processing of credential file requests occurs within 48 hours of the time of the request, Monday-Thursday. Requests made on a Thursday will be processed the following Monday. Please contact Pam Sotherland in the Center for Career Development with additional questions.