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I. What is a Credential Folder?
II.
Policies
III.
Fees
IV.
Contents
****** Please be aware that these policies will be changing to accommodate our new electronic credential process through DragonLink. Current students can access their credential materials by logging in to the DragonLink service on the left side menu. Alumni who do not currently have a DragonLink account, can contact the main office at 607-436-2534 to request access and to have letters uploaded to the new system. We thank you for your patience *******
I.
What is a Credential Folder?
A credential folder contains material that supports your application for jobs and admission to graduate school, and includes letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts and other appropriate items. The contents of the folder is maintained by the Career Development Center (CDC) and forwarded to potential employers or graduate schools subsequent to a candidate’s written request. Also, candidates may give authorization to allow an employer or graduate school to directly request their folder.
It is important to note that a credential folder is only supporting material, and for some, the folder may never be requested. Research shows those persons interested in education and human service careers are more likely to use this service. There are exceptions, however, and graduates from all disciplines should seriously consider using the service.
As this is a voluntary service, it is the candidate’s responsibility to establish and update their folder. All candidates need to read and understand the instructions and policies below.
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II. POLICIES
- It is the candidate’s responsibility to follow-up on references to make sure the folder is complete. Folders are considered complete when two letters of recommendation have been received. You may send out your folder with less than two letters on file, but please understand that you will pay for repeat mailings to the same business address.
- ONLY original letters of references are acceptable, no copies. Letters need to be submitted on official business letterhead with original signatures. The CDC is not able to provide typing service for candidates or authors of references.
- All requests must be made in writing. Requests will be forwarded within three (3) business days from date of receipt.
- For each request made, a MAXIMUM OF 5 LETTERS OF REFERENCE will be sent along with other supporting materials in their file. Candidates with more than 5 letters on file need to indicate which references will be used in the event of an employer or graduate school request. No exceptions!
- Letters of reference will be removed and destroyed by CDC personnel only when a “written” request has been received from the candidate.
- The CDC reserves the right to ask candidates to limit the size of their credential folder.
- Credential folders are made available only to legitimate employers or graduate schools, award committees, etc. Except transcripts requested by candidates, material from other college offices (e.g. Admissions, Student Development, Counseling Center, etc.) is not included in the folder.
- In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, it is the policy of this office to protect the rights of the authors of all confidential references written on behalf of students. Any unauthorized attempt made to obtain a copy of your credential folder will result in immediate discontinuation of service. Persons found abusing confidentiality will have their folders closed and all letter of reference authors will be notified of the breach of confidentiality agreement.
- Any student or alumni may establish a credential folder. College seniors are most likely to have a need for the service. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are encouraged to discuss their needs with a staff member before initiating a folder.
- Credential folders are maintained for 10 years after graduation and will be destroyed thereafter.** Folders with material less than 5 years old will be automatically saved. A written request from the registrant is required to “save” the folder. An announcement will be made in the college alumni magazine when folders from a particular graduating class will be destroyed.
- Letters of recommendation can be forwarded via email to employers and graduate schools and follow the same policies listed above.
**Effective beginning with the class of 2011
Policies are subject to change without notification
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III. FEES
Full-Time and Part-Time Undergraduate and Graduate Students and Alumni
- The first “three” sets of credentials are sent free of charge until the end of the following designated period: May graduates until September 1: August graduates until December 1: December graduates until May 1. Each additional set carries a $5.00 prepaid fee. A volume discount of 10 sets for $30.00 is available and is valid for one calendar year. However, we will not credit payments made for individual requests toward the volume discount.
- PLEASE SUBMIT ALL CREDENTIAL REQUESTS IN WRITING . (Remember to include the name, title, organization name and mailing address for each employer or graduate school.)
- Payment is expected at the time of service and can be made by check, money order or credit card. At this time, the College only accepts MASTERCARD, VISA or DISCOVER charge cards.
- If a past due amount is owed, you will be required to pay this amount before any new requests are processed.
- A $1.00 billing fee will be assessed to your balance each time a bill is mailed to you requesting payment for services rendered.
- Faxing: only in emergency situations and employers/graduate schools need to fax a request on their letterhead requesting that the credentials be faxed to them. Cost to fax: $10.00 and a hard copy will be mailed as a follow-up.
- Alumni and non-degree students may choose to activate, establish and/or send their folder at any time.
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