Student Reference Files
What
The student reference file is a reference service of the Delaware County Community College Student Employment Services & Co-op Center. Faculty references will be kept on file for a period of five years.
Why
Employers and transfer colleges will ask for letters of reference when you make application. Establishing a file enables you to provide such references upon request. Since the Student Employment Services Center maintains this file for five years, you can access this source long after you have completed you educational program. This service to you is not only convenient, but it also prevents the risk of loss. Imagine how difficult it could be to track down faculty that may have moved on since you left College.
How to Open a File
Stop in to the Employment Center, Room 1305, and ask any staff member for the appropriated forms. You will be asked to sign a Release Form authorizing the Employment Services office to send credentials to requesters. This must be completed before a file can be established. You will then be given a standard form letter to distribute to faculty members. Upon completion, the faculty member will return the form to the Employment Services Office.
Copy Requests
Request to have a copy of your file sent can be made by you, the prospective employer or Transfer College. You can indicate on your application to them that faculty references are on file with the Student Employment Services & Co-op Center, Delaware County Community College. Copies are mailed directly to the employer or transfer college. You will not be permitted to take originals from your file and return them. This will insure the authenticity of the references. You are permitted to have five packets sent free of charge.
Viewing Your File
You may view your file in the presence of an Employment Services staff member. Proper identification will be required to read your file. Note: Due to the confidential nature of the file, letters will not be read over the telephone or faxed. Letters not wanted for inclusion will be removed from the file and destroyed at your request.
Additional Information
It is your responsibility to distribute the forms to faculty and track their return to the Employment Services office. The authenticity of letters of reference hand delivered by a student is questionable.
Only references on College forms from College faculty members are maintained by the Employment Services & Co-op Center. References from former employers, etc., are not included and will be returned to the sender.
If you have further questions or concerns, contact the Student Employment Services & Co-op Center at 610-359-5304 or stop by Room 1305.