Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Data Vertification Unit (DVU), our process and answers to important questions. 

Contact

If you have questions, contact the DVU at 215-204-5248 or 

What services are included in Service Expectations?

DVU will be responsible for the following activities.

  • Validating the accuracy and completeness of data within scope, which includes
    • any factual statement containing statistical, demographic or numerically descriptive data, including, but not limited to, statements made for purposes of encouraging attendance at or donations to the university; and
    • any data submitted to accreditation bodies, government entities or rankings organizations.
  • Providing feedback to the school, college or unit based on verification process.
  • Educating the Temple community on data integrity.
  • Providing tools, templates and resources to support data verification.
  • Maintaining final copies of submissions provided by schools, colleges and units.
What services are not included in Service Expectations?

DVU will not be responsible for designing queries, pulling correct data, and creating accurate reports and statements. Schools, colleges and units retain the responsibility for the creation of accurate data and statements.

How will services be delivered?

Schools, colleges and units in need of verification services must submit completed draft requests and provide supporting documentation via an email to  at least three weeks prior to the submission due date.

Incomplete submissions* and submissions without supporting documentation will be returned to the requestor for completion before verification will commence. Exceptions to the three-week lead review time will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If DVU makes attempts to follow up with requestor and a response is not received within four weeks, the request will drop off the list of active reviews.

*There may be some circumstances in which partially complete submissions will be accepted (e.g., large multipart accreditation reports that require additional time to verify). These exceptions will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

What are the hours of operation?

DVU’s regular hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, when the university is open and operating on a normal schedule. Learn more about contacting the DVU.

What is the response time for inquiries and requests?

Data submitters who submit completed requests for verification services to the  email inbox will receive an initial acknowledgement email within two business days of submission. The initial acknowledgement email will identify the DVU team member to whom the verification has been assigned.

The full review and verification process may take up to three weeks, depending on the nature of the submission and how comprehensive it is. 

How is work prioritized?

Submissions be will be addressed in the order in which they are submitted to DVU, subject to the prioritization of critical time-sensitive items as determined by the chief compliance officer on a case-by-case basis.

The  email inbox is checked by DVU team members at least three times each business day at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. New materials submitted after 4 p.m. will be acknowledged or addressed on the next business day.

Who is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of submissions to the DVU?

The dean or managerial lead of the school, college or unit is responsible for ensuring the submission of accurate and fully completed requests. The submitter will be required to certify that the dean or the designated representative has reviewed the submission before a submission request can be reviewed.

Who is responsible for ensuring DVU work quality?

The chief compliance officer is responsible for ensuring the quality of work performed by DVU team members.