Welcome to the Hiatt Career Center's Credential Services
Getting Started
- Credentials Policy
- Credentials Overview
- Registration Form
- Faculty/Employer Reference Form
- Credential Request Form
Plan Ahead
We encourage students and alumni to ask their professors and/or employers for recommendation letters in ample time to process requests prior to any application deadlines. It will take five working days from the date of request for the Hiatt Center to send out copies of recommendations (you must verify that all requested credentials are on file). It is important to plan accordingly.
Requesting Letters of Recommendation
Standard recommendation forms are available in the Hiatt Center and online above. The form includes a space for the student to sign a waiver of rights to read the recommendation. The signed form must be given to the recommender before the recommendation is written and sent to the Hiatt Center. Contents of confidential credential files are NOT released to students or alumni.
Some schools provide their own recommendation forms. These completed recommendation forms should be included with your request and attached to your letters of recommendation. This has been an accepted practice by Graduate Schools.
Registration
Students need to register to start a confidential credential file. Registration forms are available in the Hiatt Center and online above. A completed registration form and $15 fee are required (the $15 registration fee includes five free mailings). Thereafter, a record card and file are opened for the student or alumnus. You may verify which credentials are in your file by calling the Hiatt Center (781-736-3618) or by asking at the front desk.
Sending Your Credentials
When you are ready to have your credentials sent to a graduate/professional school or prospective employer, you can fill out a Credential Request Form available in the Hiatt Center or online above. Specify which credentials should be sent and where they should be sent. Please include a telephone number and email address where you can be reached if any questions should arise. A signature is also required. The request should include the correct fee and one unstamped addressed envelope per school or employer. Registered users receive five free sets of mailings. All other mailings are $5 per set for undergraduates and $7 per set for alumni. Include an additional $1 fee for international addresses. Fees are due at time of request (check/money order, payable to Brandeis University, or you can pay with cash in the office).
Some schools prefer that the recommendations be included with the application. Please note that if you establish a confidential credential file, you will NOT be able to comply with this request. We will, however, mail your letters of recommendation directly to graduate/professional schools upon your request.
The Hiatt Center will maintain Credentials for a period of FIVE years unless we receive a request in writing to extend this period for an additional five years.
Questions
Please contact Cindy Peryea at 781-736-3618 or cperyea@brandeis.edu