University Evidence Standard

How claims are reviewed.

The University Evidence Standard explains how public university claims are connected to sources, definitions, dates, caveats, review status, and correction history.

Version 1

The applicable standard

Reviewed claims are assessed through the Global Evidence Standard, the relevant country standard, and any institution-type rules that apply to the claim.

Global Evidence Standard+Country standard+Institution-type rules=Applicable standard

What reviewers look for

  1. Source
  2. Date and reporting period
  3. Definition
  4. Scope
  5. Population or denominator
  6. Caveat
  7. Qualification
  8. Review status
  9. Correction history

Review status

Statuses keep public wording honest about the evidence.

StatusPlain-language meaning
VerifiedThe source supports the claim as worded, with the relevant date, definition, scope, and qualifications reviewed.
Verified with qualificationThe claim is supported, but a limitation, caveat, scope condition, or definition must remain visible.
Pending evidenceThe item is under review and should not be treated as verified.
OutdatedThe item may have been supported before, but needs a newer period, source, or review.
UnsupportedNo acceptable source currently supports the factual claim as worded.
SupersededA newer reviewed item has replaced this version.
DisputedA material source, definition, wording, value, or interpretation concern is being reviewed.
Read what every reviewed claim must showRead how US higher-education sources are treatedReview independence and corrections