Importance of a Credential File
Presented by
Career and Professional Development Center
Frostburg State University
Opening a Credential File
Must sign Credential File Activation Form
 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)
 2 types of files:
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• Open-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.
Credential File Policies
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Original copies should be placed in your file.
Individual responsible for updating their information and
keeping it current..
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.
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
EXTRA INFORMATION TO HELP OUT
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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.
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.
Statement of Interest
Purpose is to allow graduate programs to learn
about your strengths.
 Elements in a statement of interest:
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• Goals desired from the program
• Philosophy/Theoretical approach to the degree
sought
• Experience that highlight your strengths
• Expression of your values and commitment to the
profession
Resume
 Layout/Presentation must be Professional
 Use action verbs that “show & tell” what
your skills, strengths, and
accomplishments are
 Laser printed on quality resume paper
 Make and appointment and bring your
resume by our office for critiquing @ 301687-4403.
Letters of Recommendation
 Ask people who champion
your career
• “Can you write me a strong letter of
recommendation?”
 Give writer courtesy of time, addressed
envelopes, and copy of your resume
• Give writer at least 2 month notice.
 Writer may use form or write a letter
 Keep recommendations current
 Do you want a closed or open file?
Test Scores, Transcript,
Certificates, and stuff
 Test scores-NTE/Praxis, GREs, GMAT must be
requested by the Counseling Center @ 301687-4234 to be sent to file
 Only original transcripts may be in file
 Certificates may be submitted to file
 Files cannot include: health records,
fingerprints , citizenship, birth certificates,
or copies of academic work
Our office can help you…
124 Sand Spring Hall ~ 687-4403
 Critiquing resumes,majors counseling and
internship assistance
 Career decision-making/goal setting
 Job search and networking assistance
 Interviewing strategies and mock
interviews
 Applying to graduate school