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Credentials Services

Credentials are reference letters and other materials used to support applications for employment or graduate study. Establishing a credentials file enables you to compile all of your resources in one centralized location. Once this file is created, your credentials can be presented in a concise, professional format. Although the service is available to all Villanova University students and alumni, it is most typically utilized by applicants for employment in the nursing and education fields and those applying to graduate or professional school.

The Career Center is able to provide notary services to students at no additional cost. Services offered include: Verification of Oath or Affirmation, Witnessing or Attesting a Signature, Acknowledgement of a Signature and Certification of Records.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality credentials support for Villanova University students and alumni. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Credentials Secretary at 610.519.4060 or credentials@villanova.edu with any questions.

Policies

A file may be opened at any time and can be maintained for up to seven years after your graduation date. There is no cost to start or maintain a file.

Credential files follow the confidentiality rules under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

You must establish your Credentials file before the Career Center can process your letters of recommendation. 

According to FERPA privacy laws, your credentials file must be established before we can process your documents.  Establish your file by completing the online form.

Credentials File Registration Form

Letters of Recommendation can be requested in person, by email or by utilizing the online form. Detailed information is available on the Credentials Services for Recommenders page.

Always ask potential references if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you at least three weeks before the letter is due. Provide them with a copy of your resume and give them the information needed, including your Banner ID and whether you'd like the recommendation to be open or confidential, to write the best letter.

Note: A confidential letter cannot be viewed by the student or alum. It must be emailed directly to a third party contact by the Career Center or hard-copy mailed in a sealed envelope. An open letter can be viewed by the student or alum.

Nursing Student Job Seekers: It is recommended that you request open letters so that they can be sent directly to you to be used for application purposes.

Sample Request for Letter of Recommendation

Online Letter of Recommendation Form

Access through MyNova and select the “Display My Career Center Credentials File” option.

Note: You will only be able to see a list of the letters that have been processed and are currently in your file.  You will not be able to read or download the letter(s) through MyNova. To view your open letters or request a packet, you must fill out a formal request.

To request your credentials packet, please fill out the Credentials File Request form. Please specify which of the letters you are requesting or if you would like to request the full file.

Files that are requested for electronic distribution have no charge associated with the service. Hard-copy mailings of credentials files are assessed a $3 fee per request.

Note: Please allow up to five (5) business days for processing; we cannot accommodate same-day requests. You will be emailed once the request is complete.

Credentials Forms