Cornell University
IN-18: Pre-Submission Review

Institution has had a finalized version of its current STARS submission reviewed using the STARS Review Template and has addressed any inconsistencies identified by the reviewer(s) prior to submission. Institutions may opt for one of two approaches:

1. Independent review. Independent reviews are conducted by individuals who are affiliated with other organizations (e.g., a peer institution, third-party contractor, or AASHE).

2. Internal review. Internal reviews are conducted by employees and/or students who are affiliated with the organization for which a report is being submitted, and are not directly involved in the data collection process for the credits they review. At minimum, two institutional contacts must be involved in an internal review process: an independent reviewer and another individual (who may or may not be directly involved in data collection) to address the review results.

The reviewer(s) must:

1. Review all credits that the institution is pursuing, checking that:

• All required reporting fields, attachments, inventories, and URLs are included and consistent with credit criteria and timeframes.

• Reported figures are consistent across credits (e.g., between the Institutional Characteristics section and specific credits that require similar figures) and that any inconsistencies are explained.

2. Document the review and revision process and outcomes using the STARS Review Template.

3. Provide affirmation that the submission has been reviewed in full and that any identified inconsistencies have been addressed.

The STARS Liaison or other primary contact(s) for the institution must:

1. Address any inconsistencies identified during the review prior to submission.

2. Upload a completed STARS Review Template to document how reviewer comments and identified issues have been addressed.

3. Upload a statement of affirmation from each reviewer.

This credit is optional and may be earned by any institution. 

Institutions earn 0.5 Innovation & Leadership (IN) points for this credit up to a maximum of 4 points for the IN category. An institution’s overall, percentage-based STARS score is increased by the number of IN points it earns.

Not applicable