Iowa Wesleyan College

Memo from Career Services Office

To: Iowa Wesleyan College Education Alumni

Re: Credential Files

Iowa Wesleyan College education graduates may now self-carry their credential files.  The college changed to a self-carrying system in 2004.  What this means is that letters of recommendation for a credential file may be requested and sent directly by the student and no longer need to be managed and sent by the college.

For those alumni who currently have credential files at the college, you may remember a form you either signed or did not sign to give to your references.  This form stated, ‘In accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act, candidates may waive or retain the right of access to each reference.  Your signature below constitutes a waiver of your right to access this reference.  If not signed, you may review it’. 

What this means is if you signed that form, you agreed that your credential file at the college would be a closed file and you would not have access to those letters.  This remains the case.  However if you did not sign the form, you agreed that your credential file at the college would be an open file and you could have access to those letters. 

To be competitive in today’s educational job market, I would recommend that letters in your credential file be no more than 3-5 years old.  In this case, many of the letters in the credential files at Iowa Wesleyan College need to be updated.  Current professional practice calls for 2 or 3 letters.  Some districts may ask for as many as 5 letters, but that is rare since few principals have the time to read so many letters. 

Refer to the link, ‘Managing Your Credential File’ to assist you in setting up and maintaining your credential file.  When creating a cover page, indicate that you are self-carrying your credential file.  Be sure you keep it just as professional as your resume and cover letter.  Stay away from cute logos, pictures, etc. 

If you still prefer that I send your credential file to school districts you are interested in applying to, I would be happy to do that.

Should you need further assistance or have questions regarding a self-carried credential file, please feel free to contact me at 319-385-6375 or hseegers@iwc.edu.

Good luck in your future educational endeavors.