Recommendations and Credentials
In September, 2008, the Career Development Center launched a new partnership with Interfolio enabling students and alumnae to manage their credentials files online, replacing the current paper-based credentials file service.
Who Needs a Credentials File
Not everyone needs a credentials file. However, if you are applying to multiple graduate or professional schools, Interfolio may prove very beneficial. Interfolio empowers you to collect, store and deliver your most important documents in an online portfolio that you manage. You can store not only letters of recommendation but also your curriculum vitae, writing samples, dissertation abstracts, teaching certifications, student evaluations and more.
If You Have a Credentials File at CDC
If you already have a credentials file at the CDC containing letters of recommendation, we will honor one final request for up to FIVE packets, free of charge (use the request form below).
Once your request is processed, your credentials file at the CDC will be closed and destroyed to protect your privacy. Should you wish to maintain your credentials file, you must request that it be transferred to Interfolio.
To start the transfer process, set-up an account at Interfolio, then complete the Credentials File Transfer Consent Form (see below) and mail or fax it to the CDC. Once your file has been transferred, a ll future requests you make for distribution of your credentials must go through Interfolio.
If You Do NOT Have a Credentials File at CDC
If you have not established a credentials file at the CDC and wish to create one of your own, you will need to set-up an account directly with Interfolio. The CDC will not establish any new credentials files on-campus, nor will the CDC accept any new letters of recommendation or other documents for existing files.
Individual Interfolio accounts can be set-up for as little as $19 for one year, $39.90 for three years, and $57 for five years (including three free first-class USPS mailings). Delivery options range from $4.00 (electronic) to $28 (overnight hardcopy domestic). This delivery pricing information is current as of July 31, 2009. Limited financial assistance may be available for undergraduates with need. Please contact the CDC Director, Steve Koppi.
For more information, visit Interfolio online or contact Marianne Taylor at the Career Development Center.
Handouts & Forms for Students/Alumnae
- The FAQ Handout assists with commonly asked questions about establishing an interfolio account.
- The Credential File Transfer Consent Form gives the CDC your consent to transfer your file from the CDC to Interfolio.
- The Credentials File Request and Destruction Acknowledgement form must be completed and sent to the CDC before your request can be processed (read instructions carefully).
- The Student Guide to Letters of Recommendation assists with general questions about how and when to request letters of recommendation.
For Faculty
If you are writing a letter of recommendation for a student with an Interfolio account, refer to Interfolio's Letter Writer Guide that tells you, step-by-step how to submit letters to Interfolio (both electronically or by mail) once you've received a request. It also informs you how to create an Interfolio Free Writer Account so you can view pending letters, view uploaded letters, replace your loaded letters, how to replace uploaded letters submitted by mail, and how to add your electronic signature. For a brief video demonstration on how to submit a letter of recommendation go to Vimeo Interfolio.
Handouts for Faculty
- Writing Letters of Recommendation provides faculty with general guidelines about writing letters of reference for students.