* Ask for verification: The most straightforward approach is to politely ask for proof. This could be a copy of their diploma (though this is rarely shared), a transcript, or their official Stanford alumni profile link (found on the Stanford Alumni Association website).
* Check LinkedIn: Many people list their education on LinkedIn. Be aware that this is self-reported and therefore could be inaccurate.
* Check their resume or CV: Similar to LinkedIn, this is self-reported, and therefore should be treated with caution.
* Stanford Alumni Directory (with caution): Stanford has an alumni directory, but access is usually limited to alumni themselves. If you have access, you can search for the individual. However, remember people may not be listed or choose not to be.
* Reverse image search: If they've shared a graduation photo, a reverse image search might reveal its source or context, potentially linking it to Stanford.
* Contact Stanford directly (rarely feasible): Contacting the Stanford Registrar's office to inquire about someone's graduation status is highly unlikely to yield a result due to privacy concerns. They almost certainly won't share information about a graduate.
Important Considerations:
* Verification is crucial: Never assume someone graduated from Stanford based solely on their claim or social media profile.
* Privacy: Respecting someone's privacy is paramount. Don't aggressively pursue verification if they are hesitant to provide it.
* Fraud: Be aware that false claims of Stanford graduation (or any prestigious university) are possible.
In short, while there are ways to *try* to verify, completely confirming someone's Stanford graduation is usually difficult and often impossible without their direct cooperation. Relying on self-reported information alone is unreliable.