Credentials

Step-By-Step Guide to Self-Managed Credentials
Maintaining Your Confidential Credential File
Request for Release of Non-Confidential Credential File
Eliminate a Confidential Credential File
Request Confidential Credential File to be Sent to Employer

Maintaining Your Confidential Credential File

The Buena Vista University Career Services has changed to a Self-Managed Credential file system, and we encourage all credential file holders, including those that were created as confidential files, to change to a Self-Managed File. Employers expect letters of reference to be current - within 2-3 years of writing.  Any confidential letters still in your file will be at least 5 years old. 

You may, however, elect to keep your confidential file with Career Services, and we will continue to fill your requests to send your files to prospective employers. 

All fees must be paid in advance before credentials will be sent. You can mail payment to: Career Services, BVU, 610 W. Fourth St., Storm Lake, Iowa  50588; or you may call with your credit card number to (712) 749-2440 or fax it to (712) 749-2036. We discourage e-mailing credit card information as it is not a secure method.

• $4 per set for requests
• $10 per set to fax your credentials at your or employer request

We reserve the right to HOLD or DESTROY credential files for non-payment of outstanding bills.

Your file is stored at Career Services for 10 years from LAST DAY OF USE OR ADDITION OF NEW LETTER(S).  After 10 years, files will be destroyed.

Letters added to a confidential file after December 1999 are non-confidential. You may request that non-confidential letters be returned to you, along with an unofficial "Issued to Student" transcript, by submitting Permission to Eliminate Confidential Credential File request. We will shred the rest of the contents of your confidential file.

If you elect to maintain your confidential file, a recommendation form is available online.  Ask your writer to write directly on the online form, print and sign it, and ask for a copy to be sent to you.  You or your writer should forward a copy to Career Services, Buena Vista University, 610 W. Fourth Street, Storm Lake, IA  50588.  The reference writer's school or company letterhead is also acceptable.  All recommendations must be SIGNED.

• You may delete specific recommendations by contacting Career Services.
• A recommendation writer may request removal of his/her letter.
• Contact Career Services periodically to see if letters have been received in our office.

Include the following information each time you request a set(s) of your credentials:

• name (current and maiden)
• current address and telephone number
• today's date
• last four digits of your Social Security number
• year of graduation
• statement: "Please send my credential file to:"
• where you want your file sent - include complete address(es)

Fax requests to 712-749-2036

Mail requests to Career Services, Buena Vista University, 610 West Fourth Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588

Fill out online form.

It can take up to 72 hours for credentials to be mailed. However, most credentials are mailed within 24 to 48 hours of request. However, credentials can be faxed the same day as the request for a fee of $10.

To make changes to your file:

• You can make all changes to your cover sheet by updating the downloadable Word file (on our site: Education Majors or All Other Majors) and mailing it to: Career Services, Buena Vista University, 610 West Fourth Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588.
• Once changes are made, you are strongly encouraged to review your data and recommendations.
• Be sure to keep your name, address, and phone number current while in a job search.
• YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF YOUR FILE.