Credential Files for Educators
Office of Career Services

NEW - Important information regarding credential files

April 25, 2008

In the past, the Office of Career Services maintained credential files for graduates of Roosevelt’s programs. With the widely accepted use of electronic credentials submission, we discontinued this service in 2005. Many of these files have not been accessed in a number of years and the information is out of date. As a result, the Office of Career Services will begin the process of destroying old files.

We have researched similar programs at other universities and colleges and have adopted a procedure for proper disposal.

Credential files were created as a repository of references and career related data for Roosevelt students and have been maintained by Career Services. Not all Roosevelt graduates have credentials files. Credentials files are separate from academic records and do not include transcripts.

 

Typical credential files contain:

• Letters of recommendation
• Biographical information
• Resumes
• Student teaching evaluations
• Other relevant career related material

First, we would like to give you the opportunity to claim your file and its contents. If you would like for us to send you the contents of your file, please fill in our online request form (click here). You must do this by November 1, 2008.

If you have accessed your file in the last five years, we will retain that file for five years after which it will be shredded.

After November 1, 2008, we will begin shredding the files so that your confidential information is properly destroyed.

As always, we are available to help you with your careers needs. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 312-341-3558 or careersdt@roosevelt.edu.

Sincerely,

The Office of Career Services

 

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“Credential file” is a term used to describe documents that are used as official evaluations. These files typically include the resume, official transcripts or record of courses, letters of recommendation, student teacher evaluations, and copies of your certification when you get it. 

In the past, most districts, would require an "official" (i.e., copied and mailed from a third party such as the career center) credential file from all candidates.This is not common practice anymore with most districts in Illinois. Now, your file or copies of requested documents sent directly from you, may suffice.

In the case that the district is requesting documents be sent from a third party or if you would like to have a centralized place to store your electronic documents, Roosevelt has partnered with Interfolio, a leader in portfolio services.

Keep in mind that they are different than your portfolio. Your portfolio will include more work samples and is often not requested, but instead brought along and shared during the interview process or at a job fair.

Using Interfolio to Maintain your Credential File

Interfolio, the premier online credentials management service, is now available to Roosevelt University students and alumni. Interfolio is the easiest and most affordable way for a student to send application materials to graduate and professional schools, a teacher to apply for a new position, or a PhD to send academic credentials to a search committee.

Interfolio's online system allows you to build an online portfolio - a complete file of all your credentials. Nearly any document can be stored in your account, including, but not limited to:

• Confidential letters of recommendation (letter writers may create a free account to directly upload documents)
• Resumes
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing samples
• Dissertation abstract
• Supervising teacher evaluation
• Student & peer evaluations
• Transcripts

What you get:

Constant access With our web-based system you can manage your portfolio whenever and wherever you want.

Comprehensive deliveries Interfolio allows you to include every document needed for your application in one complete, professional package.

Low Cost Since you only need to send one delivery for each application, you save money and headaches. It's cheaper to send a 30 page delivery through Interfolio than to use Kinko's or the U.S. Post Office.

Customized deliveries You can select a unique set of documents for each delivery. Also, you can specify the order in which your materials are packaged so your presentation is powerful and persuasive.

Self managed files With Interfolio you have control of your portfolio. You don't have to rely on others to make the decisions about what documents are delivered on your behalf.

Lightning-Fast Delivery We send every delivery within one business day of your request. If you need to meet a deadline, we can send express deliveries the same day (as long as you make the request by 2 PM EST).

To Create a New Interfolio Account

It takes just a few minutes to create an account and begin building your portfolio immediately. Account set-up and maintenenace fees are as low as $9 a year. Click here to sign-up now->

Contact Interfolio for more information.

Roosevelt Maintained Credential File

If you have created a file prior to Summer 2007 and it is necessary for your file to be sent, please complete this form and fax or mail it to the Office of Career Services. Only signed forms will be filled.

Form to have Roosevelt Maintained Credential File sent.

Please contact our office at careersdt@roosevelt.edu or 312-341-3560 for information on the process.

Copies of your file will be sent at your request. Your file can be revised or updated throughout the year. You should still keep a record of your own file.

This service is available to Roosevelt degreed students or Roosevelt alumni who have obtained certification.

Career Services