Approved vs. Acknowledged

This article provides an overview of the two form actions available in UC OATS: Approved and Acknowledged.

When reviewing a form, you have the option to mark it as Approved or Acknowledged. While both actions move the form forward to the next stage of review or final acceptance, they carry different meanings depending on your role and your campus’s practices. 

Approved

• Definition: Selecting Approved means you have formally reviewed the submission and are granting full approval in line with University and departmental policies.

Acknowledged

• Definition: Selecting Acknowledged indicates you have reviewed the form, but are not providing formal approval only acknowledgement.

• Common Scenarios:

  • Used when a form is submitted after an activity has already occurred (retroactive review).

  • Used when the reviewer does not have the authority or feels uncomfortable granting full approval.

Campus Variations

Each campus or department may interpret the use of Approved and Acknowledged differently. If you are unsure which option to select, consult your local campus guidelines or contact your UC OATS administrator for clarification.