Faculty Staff > References/Recommendations

Faculty and Staff

Credentials Services

What is a Credentials File?
What does it consist of?
How does a student start a Credentials file?
Whom should I contact with questions?

What is a credentials file?
The credentials file is a central filing place to collect "supporting evidence" for students' applications for employment or admission to programs of further study. Copies of the file contents are mailed out at their request, or at the request of an employer or academic advisor.

What does it consist of?

Letters of Recommendation
These are written statements from those people who can give support to a candidacy. The S.U. Center for Career Services has special letter of recommendation forms for the writers to use. Although the number of letters is optional, based on past experience we find 3-5 letters to be sufficient. These forms will not be handed out until the file has been established!

Resume or Curriculum Vita (OPTIONAL)
Initial contact is usually made with an employer through a personal cover letter and resume. We will keep a resume in a credentials file if a student wishes.

Other Documents
Any other materials which may support a candidacy that can be easily reproduced may be included.

NOTE: Transcripts may only be obtained by contacting the Registrar's Office; this can be done online. Transcripts may NOT be sent out with a student file.

How do I start a Credentials File?

To start a credentials file, students should submit the following:

Information Form (pick up at Center for Career Services, 235 Schine)
This form permits the S.U. Center for Career Services to send credentials on a student's behalf. Students may also allow prospective employers and/or their academic advisor to request that a file be sent. If this option is chosen, requests made by these persons will be processed and students will then be notified of payments due.

Credentials Access Statement (pick up at Center for Career Services, 235 Schine)
The credentials access statement specifies whether a file is confidential or non-confidential. Waiving the right of access indicates that the letters are confidential and not available to students for review. A member of the Center for Career Services Staff may not reveal information on the contents of the letters. If a student chooses to close a confidential file, the contents may not be forwards to the student without written release authorization from the reference writer. Retaining one's right of access indicated that letters of reference may be read by the candidate.

Credentials Agreement
This is the agreement between a student and the Center for Career Services. Students should read it carefully. It is included with the Information Form.

Credentials File Fees
Student Fee: $20.00 per year
Alumni Fee: $25.00 per year
Archive Fee: $15.00 per year

Fees may be paid in cash, by check (payable to Syracuse University), or using Visa or MasterCard.

Whom should I contact with questions?

Pam Latham, Client Services Manager. Feel free to visit the Center, call Pam at 443-3617, or email her.