1. Importance of a Credential File Presented by Career and Professional Development Center Frostburg State University

2. Opening a Credential File b Must sign Credential File Activation Form b A $20.00 Activation fee maintains your file for 7 years. Activation fee may be paid at the Business Office during business hours. (Forms for opening your file may be obtained on our web page) b 2 types of files: Open-Retain your right to see content of fileOpen-Retain your right to see content of file Closed-Waive right to see your letter of recommendations. Letters of recommendations for “closed” files must be mailed to our office in a sealed envelope w/the senders name signed across the back seal of the envelope.Closed-Waive right to see your letter of recommendations. Letters of recommendations for “closed” files must be mailed to our office in a sealed envelope w/the senders name signed across the back seal of the envelope.

3. Credential File Policies b Original copies should be placed in your file. b Individual responsible for updating their information and keeping it current.. b Requests made by student and employer by emailing careerservices@frostburg.edu or by filling out a “Send To” form located in our office or on our website as a PDF file. careerservices@frostburg.edu b A original copy of your official transcripts should be keep in your credential file. You may obtain a transcript by visiting the Registrar’s Office

4. EXTRA INFORMATION TO HELP OUT Students can remove items from their file at any time. Students can remove items from their file at any time. Letters of recommendation can be removed by name of author, however, once removed they can’t be returned to the file. Any confidential recommendations are destroyed immediately when removed. Letters of recommendation can be removed by name of author, however, once removed they can’t be returned to the file. Any confidential recommendations are destroyed immediately when removed. Once a file has be opened at a “closed file” and any information has been put in them, the file must remained closed or you can have the file destroyed and start the opening of a credential file process all over again. Once a file has be opened at a “closed file” and any information has been put in them, the file must remained closed or you can have the file destroyed and start the opening of a credential file process all over again. After the 7 year maintenance period, the file will be destroyed. If you wish to have your file remain active after the 7 year period, you MUST repay the $20.00 activation fee at the business office again before the 7 year deadline. After the 7 year maintenance period, the file will be destroyed. If you wish to have your file remain active after the 7 year period, you MUST repay the $20.00 activation fee at the business office again before the 7 year deadline.

5. Statement of Interest b Purpose is to allow graduate programs to learn about your strengths. b Elements in a statement of interest: Goals desired from the programGoals desired from the program Philosophy/Theoretical approach to the degree soughtPhilosophy/Theoretical approach to the degree sought Experience that highlight your strengthsExperience that highlight your strengths Expression of your values and commitment to the professionExpression of your values and commitment to the profession

6. Resume b Layout/Presentation must be Professional b Use action verbs that “show & tell” what your skills, strengths, and accomplishments are b Laser printed on quality resume paper b Make and appointment and bring your resume by our office for critiquing @ 301- 687-4403.

7. Letters of Recommendation b Ask people who champion your career “Can you write me a strong letter of recommendation?”“Can you write me a strong letter of recommendation?” b Give writer courtesy of time, addressed envelopes, and copy of your resume Give writer at least 2 month notice.Give writer at least 2 month notice. b Writer may use form or write a letter b Keep recommendations current b Do you want a closed or open file?

8. Test Scores, Transcript, Certificates, and stuff b Test scores-NTE/Praxis, GREs, GMAT must be requested by the Counseling Center @ 301- 687-4234 to be sent to file b Only original transcripts may be in file b Certificates may be submitted to file b Files cannot include: health records, fingerprints, citizenship, birth certificates, or copies of academic work

9. Our office can help you… 124 Sand Spring Hall ~ 687-4403 b Critiquing resumes,majors counseling and internship assistance b Career decision-making/goal setting b Job search and networking assistance b Interviewing strategies and mock interviews b Applying to graduate school