Student Record Services Tutorial Credentials

What Are Credentials? Credentials are reference materials that are used to support applications for employment or graduate study. Establishing a credentials file enables you to compile all of your resources in the Career Services Credentials Library. Once your file is created, your credentials can be presented in a concise, professional format on Villanova Letterhead.

Who Should Utilize the Student Record Services: Although the credentials service is available to all Villanova University students and alumni, those who typically utilize this service are:  Candidates for nursing positions  Candidates for positions in education  Applicants for graduate or professional schools

Getting Started: To establish your credentials file: Complete this tutorial, answer the questions and sign the registration page. *Please note that according to FERPA privacy laws, you must establish your credentials file before we process your documents.

You will utilize two websites to manage and track your credentials file:  Career Center’s website to request letters of recommendation from professors, clinical instructors etc.  NOVASIS to manage your personal documents

Requesting LOR’s from Clinical Instructors and Professors  The LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION form can be found on the Career Center’s website under For Ctudents > Credentials Services>Letter of Recommendation Form  You can send a link to the website to the recommender. Be sure to include information about yourself to make it easier for the recommender to complete the form  Banner ID  Expected graduation year  Attach your resume  Indicate if the letter should be open or confidential

Notes About Letters of Recommendation  We can accept letters of recommendation in a variety of formats, but all letters should be written on typed on letterhead and signed.  Letters submitted outside of the online form can be sent by to or by U.S. mail to the Career Center; Attn: Credentials Secretary.  Give the recommender plenty of time (at least four weeks) to write your letter. Also, it is beneficial for you to get reference letters from professors and clinical instructors while you are still fresh in their minds.  Open vs. Confidential  If a letter is confidential you can never view it. Most employment applications require that you upload your letters.  If the letters will be utilized for employment, Open letters carry the same weight as confidential letters.  Graduate programs may require Confidential letters  Online Form  If your recommender uses the online form it will print on letterhead.

Tracking Your Student Records File Through NOVASIS 1. Access NOVASIS through your MYNOVA account or type novasis.villanova.edu into your browser 2. Enter the secure NOVASIS area login to view your personal information. 3. Select Student and Financial Aid 4. Select Display Career Services Credentials

What Should Be Included in a Credential File?  Three to five letters of reference from faculty members, clinical instructors or former employers  Optional Items  Resume  CPR CARD  An unofficial copy of your transcript  If you would like to include an unofficial copy of your transcript, you must request that it be sent to or you can mail a Photocopy copy of your transcript to: Villanova Career Center Attn: Credentials

Requesting a Packet of Credentials  Now that you have all of your letters in your file, you will want to retrieve them for use in your job or graduate school application process.  The easiest way to request your credentials is through NOVASIS. You can request your letters from the same place where you renewed your file. Choose the Request a Packet of Credentials option  When you complete your request, you will receive a confirmation page. If you do not receive this page, try changing your browser. If you still are unable to submit your request, contact the Career Center at  The credentials service is free. Printed or mailed requests are $3.00 per packet. Requests sent by are FREE  NO SAME DAY REQUESTS PLEASE – allow 2 to 7 days for processing.

CONTACT INFORMATION We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions, an urgent request or are need of any assistance! Credentials Secretary Aimée McStravog Emial Telephone

COMPLETE THE CREDENTIALS FILE REGISTRATION FORM ON THE CAREER CENTER WEBSITE HERECAREER CENTER WEBSITE HERE