Career Services Mercer University - Credentail File for Education Majors

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Credential File for Education Majors

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING CREDENTIAL PAPERS

Credential Files present you to a prospective employer. Since the employer often sees your credentials before he or she meets you, you will want them to give the best possible impression. Since we make photo copies of your credential papers, they should be neatly typewritten--without errors. Please complete all items in a manner that reflects your professional qualifications. Do not continue any sections on the back or on another page. The following are specific directions for each form. If you have any questions, please ask a member of the staff to assist you.

REFERENCE FORMS: Complete the first portion of the reference forms before giving them to your references. You may use any combination of the attached forms you choose. Education majors applying for a teaching position should select four references - preferably in the field of education. You may also choose any combination of the attached forms, as long as you have the teacher with whom you do your student teaching complete the form labeled "Teacher Recommendation." Request your references to mail the completed form to the Career Services Office. We welcome other letters of reference to be included in your Credential File in addition to the above stated suggestions.

RESUME: This is the most flexible portion of your credential papers. You may utilize any design you choose in constructing the resume. It should include your name, present address, present telephone number, and the date you will be available for employment. It should also include permanent information so you may be contacted during holidays or after graduation. This office has suggested resume formats available in the Career Services Resource Center. Be sure to ask one of our staff for assistance in locating these materials. You may also attend a resume workshop and/or schedule an individual appointment for resume assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: We are here to make your job search easier and as pleasant as possible. Do not hesitate to ask for help, advice, or information. We have numerous resources on the job search, career guidance, and various employers. ASK US!!

QUESTIONS? Call CAREER SERVICES, (478) 301-2863 or 1-800-342-0841 in Georgia or 1-800-637-2378 out of state.

CREDENTIAL SERVICE

The credentials service available to you consists of a folder containing personal information and references which you may use as you plan and pursue your career. Such information can be released to others ONLY with your written consent. A statement to this effect must be signed and placed in your file.

Official transcripts are obtained from the Registrar only. They are NOT maintained in the Career Services Office.

Unless you waive your right of access, your credentials file will be an open file. This means that you have access to the information in it. If you wish, however, you may request a Confidential Credential File. This means that you would request confidential recommendations and you would NOT have access to those evaluations.

To establish a confidential file you must sign a statement to waive your right of access to the confidential statements and recommendations in possession of the Career Services Office.

Students may review credential files designated as "open" in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This is accomplished by scheduling an appointment with a Career Services staff member.

Credentials will be kept on file in active status for five years. After that time they will be stored for an additional two years.

NOTE: TEN CREDENTIAL FILES WILL BE SENT AS YOU REQUEST AT NO CHARGE. FOR EACH ADDITIONAL COPY, THERE WILL BE A CHARGE OF $2.00 PER COPY. Checks should be made payable to Career Services.

FORMS

All forms are to be completed and sent to Career Services by mail, fax, or stopping by our office. All files below are in MS Word format.