Establishing Your Credential Files

1. Establishing Your Credential Files Academic & Career Services Memorial Student Affairs Building #140 308-865-8501 www.unk.edu/offices/academicadvising Fall 2012

2. What Is a Credential File? • A collection of information about you and your experience / accomplishments that will be sent to school districts when you begin applying for teaching positions. • Your File includes your • Data Sheet  Letters of Reference • Official Transcripts  Signed Waiver Form • Copy of Teaching Cert. (optional)

3. Do You Need a Credential File? ABC School District announces the following opening: High School Language Arts Teacher Must have valid NE Teaching Certificate Please send letter of application, resume, and credentials by November 10, 2012 to: Superintendent PO Box 3131 ABC, NE 68000 XYZ Community Schools announces the following opening: Middle School Language Arts Teacher Must have valid NE Teaching Certificate Please attach letter of application, resume, letters of reference, and a copy of transcripts. Submit by November 10, 2012 to: www.xyz.k12.ne.us

4. When to Establish Your Credential File • Within the school year during which you plan to graduate • Most school systems announce position openings early in Spring semester

5. Overview – Steps to Creating Your File • Pick up an “Education Credentials” folder at Academic & Career Services • Pay the Registration Fee and sign the Release/ Waiver Form • Complete the Education Credentials Data Sheet (Return within 48 hours) • Complete the top section of the Reference Form (Distribute to professionals) • Request Official Transcripts to be sent to ACS

6. Release / Waiver Form Consent from you that allows us to release your records to employers. • Choose OPEN or CONFIDENTIAL • Cannot have a “mixed” file • If you choose Confidential, we can tell you which of your references have submitted letters • We cannot tell you if a reference is good or bad ** If you have a self-managed file and a file with our office, you should have your reference writers provide one letter to you, and another original letter to our office.

7. Credential File Fees Fees must be paid at the same time you submit your Release / Waiver Form. New File: Establish within one year of graduationfrom UNK Set of 5 credential mailings = $ 25.00 Note: Additional sets (of 5) may be purchased.

8. Education Credentials Data Sheet Enter your data on the form at • www.unk.edu/offices/academicadvising • See section under Education Credential Files • Print and return the original to Academic & Career Services

9. Transcripts • Request an Official transcript be sent directly from the Registrar’s office; • “Issued to Student” transcripts are not considered official • Helpful Hints: • Call to verify that we have received your transcripts. • Request a final transcript upon graduation.

10. Reference Form • References may be written on the Reference Form provided or on letterhead • Must have at least 3 reference letters before we mail to school system – maximum 6 • Helpful Hints: • Remember to fill out the top portion of your Reference • Formsbefore giving them to your reference writers. • Contact ACS to verify materials have been received.

11. Complete Credential File Files are ready to mail when each of the following has been accomplished: • Fee Paid • Release / Waiver Signed • Education Credential Data Sheet Received • Official Transcripts Received • Three (or up to Six) Letters of Reference are in the File

12. File Contents: Sent to Employers • Education Credential Data Sheet • Official Transcript(s) • 3-6 Letters of Reference • Copy of Teaching Certificate (optional)

13. Making Requests • Request Form located on our website • Three ways to submit your request: • By mail • In-person • By fax (308-865-8882) (The form is online, but a written request must be submitted to our office.) • HELPFUL HINTS: • Credentials cannot be mailed at the request of a friend, • family member, employer or any third party! • Payment must be made before your file will be sent. • Track the number of mailings you have available.

14. Updating Your Credential File Update! • Recommended every 3 – 5 years • If not updated in 7 years, file will be destroyed • References must be removed in writing • Use the Reference Removal Request Form • Include your name, signature, address, phone number, and your UNK ID or last 4 digits of your SS # • Contact our office and request an updating packet

15. Helpful Hints / Recommendations • Include your University Supervisor and Cooperating Teacher(s) as reference writers • Prepare for your Job Search by having your résumé critiqued and schedule a practice interview with our office. • Update your contact information (address, email, phone number) each time it changes.

16. Final Notes • Check with us (Academic & Career Services) to make sure your file is complete! • Upload your résumé to loperCAREERS and search position openings • HELPFUL HINT: • Additional policy information and job listings at • http://www.unk.edu/offices/academicadvising