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• Considering a career in the field of education?
• Planning to attend graduate school within the next couple of years?

If you answered YES to either question, you have the opportunity to establish a reference file with the Career Services Center (CSC).  A reference file contains letters of recommendation and a limited number of other items that support your candidacy for career opportunities in the field of education or for your admission to a graduate program.  Upon your request, the reference file will be sent to prospective hiring officials at educational institutions or to admissions departments of graduate programs.

The Reference File Service is an optional service provided by the UNCG Career Services Center to assist students/alumni in obtaining employment in education settings and/or admission to a graduate program.  The Center serves as a “clearinghouse” that stores letters of reference and other select optional documents to be provided to employers or to graduate schools at the request of the student/alumnus.  You may wish to meet with a Career Services counselor to determine if opening a file is the best option for your job search.
  Seniors, candidates for advanced degrees, and alumni are eligible to establish a Reference File in The Career Services Center for the purpose of pursuing their job search in educational settings or for admission to a graduate program.  The Reference File Service is only available to UNCG students and alumni.
  The Reference File Service is available to you online to set up a reference file.  There is a $5.00 charge to set up a file and an additional $5.00 charge for each request to release a copy of the file.  There are additional charges for requests such as special delivery, overseas postage, etc. 

Once a reference file is established, and upon receipt of your written request at Career Services, a copy of the reference file will be sent by US mail or transmitted by fax within 2 business days, with the exception of holidays and University closings.  We do require extra processing time for the special mailing or special fax transmittal of a request.

1. Will your reference file be Confidential or Non-Confidential?
2. Who will your reference writers be?
3. What other documents, if any, may you include in your file?

A Confidential file is exactly that – confidential from YOU.  The reference writer submits the letter of reference directly to Career Services in a sealed envelope, signed across the flap, and it is placed in your file for you to send out.  While you may not read these confidential letters, you and ONLY you, choose who to have as references and which ones to send out.  A Non-Confidential file allows you to review the letters of reference submitted for your file, but not to have copies of them.

In choosing reference writers, consider faculty members, former employers, and/or internship/practicum supervisors who can speak positively about your abilities.  Undergraduate students/alumni may have up to 4 letters of reference on file.  Graduate students/alumni may have up to 6 letters of reference on file.

You have the option (you are not required) to include the following documents in the reference file:

• Transcript: Original UNCG transcripts may be added (will be released from the file as an unofficial photocopy).
• Photocopy of Test Scores: PRAXIS/NTE, GRE, GMAT, etc.
• Photocopy of Exit Criteria for Student Teaching.
• Photocopy of Teacher Certificate.

Reference Files are the property of the UNCG Career Services Center and will be maintained for you for a minimum of 5 years.  You must keep your contact information current at all times (complete address, telephone number, and email address).  If there has been no activity initiated by you regarding your reference file (incoming or outgoing) for any period of 5 years, we have permission to destroy the reference file.  Important: Reference Files are not permanent files.

For any further questions, please refer to our RFS Frequently Asked Questions.