Credential Files
Center for Life's Work can keep your recommendation letters on file. Upon request, copies of your credential file are sent to prospective employers or graduate schools. Alumni matriculated students, and those completing state teacher certification requirements through Nazareth University are eligible for this service.
Based on changes related to the hiring process within school districts, the Center for Life's Work will be phasing out credential file services and will assist students with transitioning to a self-managed process.
Important Dates
September 1, 2021: Last day to set up an account to store letters of recommendation.
September 1, 2021 - September 1, 2023: Existing accounts will still be serviced. For example, letters can still be added and sent out on your behalf.
September 1, 2023: Credential file service no longer provided. The Center for Life's Work will assist students with transitioning to a self-managed process.
Contents
Note: Transcripts, GRE scores and NYS Teacher Exam scores CANNOT be placed in the file.
Non-Confidential Letters
With the upcoming changes to the credential service (Sept. 1, 2021), we strongly recommend that students request non-confidential letters of recommendation from letter writers.
Non-confidential letters may be read by you. At the top of the standard recommendation forms provided by the Center for Life's Work, you must indicate whether you want each letter to be CONFIDENTIAL or NON-CONFIDENTIAL by checking the appropriate box and signing your name. Any letters of recommendation returned to us that are not written on or attached to these standard forms will automatically be treated as NON-CONFIDENTIAL. The status of a letter, once it is received by this office, cannot be altered.
Instructions for Sending the Credential File
- Requests to send your file may be made in person (when the office is open), in writing, via e-mail, or by phone or fax. ALL requests for locations out of the Rochester area must be submitted in writing (mail, fax, e-mail). In the interest of efficiency we also ask that multiple requests for credential files (i.e., more than five destinations) be put in writing.
- Correct destination addresses must be included, with the exception of school districts in Rochester and the surrounding area.
- There is a $2 fee for each request after the first 5 student requests, which are free.
- Be sure to include your full name and a telephone number where we can reach you.
File Updates
The student is responsible for updating his/her file with new letters. No more than 8 active letters can be included in the file. Additional documents may be placed on hold or destroyed at the student's request. Alumni should keep the office informed of address or name changes.
Length of Time Files are Retained
Files will be maintained until September 1, 2023.