Self-Managed Credentials

A credential file is commonly used in a job search in the field of education. A credential file is a packet of information including letters of reference and university transcripts. Education students are advised to begin creating a credential file prior to applying for a teaching position.

Resources for Creating a Self-Managed Credential File

• Self-Managed Credential File Guide
• Cover Sheet Template
• Reference Form

Career Services is available to assist with your self-managed credential file and education job search. Call 670-1450 to schedule an appointment.

ALUMNI INFORMATION

All education alumni are encouraged to begin a self-managed credential file prior to conducting a job search. Career Services is available to assist in this process. Self-managed files are accepted by school districts nationwide and are both less expensive and more efficient than university-managed files.

Credential File Retention Policy:

As of July 1, 2008 all new education majors will have self-managed credential files. University-managed credential files are being eliminated based on the following:

Elimination of files not used in the past 10 years began June 2008. As of Sept. 1, 2013, Washburn Career Services will no longer retain any credential files. Your existing file will be retained until Sept. 1 2013, or until 10 years of dormancy has been reached. Confidential materials cannot be released to you and will be destroyed.

You are encouraged to develop your own self-managed file using the resources above.

The decision to end university-management of credential files was reached after extensive research and consultation with school districts, other university career services offices, and the WU education department. Self-managed files allow candidates the flexibility to adapt the application to the method requested by each school district and give candidates complete control over the process. Please note: Information in credential files that is 3-4 years old is no longer helpful in the job search.

To Send Your Current University-Managed Credential File:

Credential files can be sent to school districts at your request. There is a fee for sending your files by mail ($4.00) or fax ($7.00). This fee can be paid in advance by cash, check, or credit card.

To request your file be sent out, contact April Evans:
april.evans@washburn.edu / (785)670-1450 / Morgan 123

You MUST provide the following information:

• Name of person receiving credentials (if available)
• School Name with USD# (if applicable)
• Address, including P.O. Box (if applicable)
• City, State, Zip Code
• Fax Number (if faxed)

You must also include YOUR:

• Name (including maiden name if applicable)
• Graduation date
• Phone number
• Email address

Fill will not be sent until payment is received. Credential files will not be retained after September 1, 2013.