University given commendation, put at a higher level (8)
I believe the answer is:
upraised
'put at a higher level' is the definition.
(raised up above)
'university given commendation' is the wordplay.
'university' becomes 'u' (abbreviation for university).
'given commendation' becomes 'praised' (to commend is to praise).
'u'+'praised'='UPRAISED'
(Other definitions for upraised that I've seen before include "Exalted" , "Elevated" , "promoted" , "Given higher position" , "given a boost" .)