Preparing Theses and Dissertations
DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS: Electronic Method
SUBMIT YOUR DISSERTATION
If you are a Ph.D. student, you are now able to submit your dissertation online through ProQuest.
NOTE: Read through this entire page before attempting to submit your dissertation online.
BOOK BINDING
If you would still like to have a hardbound copy of your thesis, please consider one of two local binderies in the area:
Smith Bookbindery
112 W. 10th St.
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 332-2743
Hours:
Monday and Tuesday: Noon - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesday and ThursdayNational Library Binding Co.
55 South State Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46201
(317) 636-5606
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
FORMATTING
Please follow the formatting for submitting your dissertation as listed below. The formatting for electronic submission has ONE IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE from the unbound paper method. Include the Acceptance page in your dissertation UNSIGNED. This is for security purposes -- ProQuest requests that no signatures be included in the online submission of your dissertation. Turn the SIGNED Acceptance page into the University Graduate School.
The front matter for your dissertation must appear in the following order:
- Title page (mandatory) - see Appendix C
- Acceptance page, unsigned (mandatory) - [the SIGNED copy goes to UGS] - see Appendix D - This page confirms the committee's approval and acceptance of your dissertation.
- Copyright page (mandatory if you copyright) - see Appendix F
- Dedication (optional)
- Acknowledgments (recommended)
NOTE: Depending on your personal inclination, you may wish to include a dedication, a preface, or a set of acknowledgments. The latter are designed to recognize people or agencies to whom you feel grateful for any academic, technical, financial, or personal aid in the preparation of your thesis or dissertation; as a matter of courtesy, you would ordinarily mention the members of your committee here, as well as institutions that provided funding, your typist, or anyone else who helped.
- Preface (optional)
- Abstract, unsigned (mandatory) - see Appendix G - Abstract
- Table of Contents (mandatory)
- Lists of tables, figures, appendixes, abbreviations and other supplemental materials (if appropriate)
At the end of the dissertation or thesis, place a:
- Vita page - Use a basic resume/CV format
TO COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE
Arrange a mutually agreeable time with your committee, set up the oral exam at least thirty days prior to when you wish to defend (leave a little extra time to allow for problems with mail), submit your defense announcement, then come back and defend. Ordinarily, the defense is conducted here at Indiana University, but under extraordinary circumstances, other arrangements can sometimes be made. Prior approval must be obtained from your committee and the University Graduate School.
- Once your defense time and date are set, submit a one page dissertation defense announcement (see Appendix A for formatting).
- TIP: Provide each member of your committee with a complete copy of your dissertation at least thirty days before the defense so that they will have sufficient time to read and criticize your work; this time will also allow other faculty members who might be interested in your work to plan to attend your defense.
- TIP: If possible, phrase your announcement in non-technical language.
- The chairperson of your research committee must approve and sign the announcement.
- The announced time and place cannot be changed without the approval of the Dean of the University Graduate School.
- Your dissertation will be announced on the UGS website to the University community.
- During your oral examination, have your FULL committee sign:
- Acceptance Page - Appendix D
- Abstract - Appendix G
- Complete the University Graduate School's Exit Survey
- Complete the Application for Graduation for Ph.D. Students (ONLY if you want to participate in the graduation ceremony)
To be listed in the commencement program, participate in the graduation ceremony and receive mail from the Alumni Office regarding commencement, graduating students should ask their chairperson to approve this form and return it to The University Graduate School no later than October 1st for December Commencement and no later than March 1st for May Commencement. - Pay the $65 microfilming fee directly to ProQuest.
- Bring the following items to the University Graduate School, Kirkwood Hall 111.
- Acceptance page, signed (mandatory) - see Appendix D
This page confirms the committee's approval and acceptance of your dissertation. - Abstract, signed (mandatory) - see Appendix G
- Complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates (completed and signed) (either download and print, or pick this form up from the University Graduate School, Kirkwood Hall 111):
Directions (.pdf)
Questionnaire (.pdf)
Confidentiality Guidelines (.pdf)
NOTE: The information you provide on the SED remains confidential and is reported only in aggregated form or in a manner that does not identify information about an individual. - PhD Commencement Participation Application (optional) (pdf)
- Verify that the Office of the Registrar has the correct spelling of your name and correct diploma-mailing address.
NOTE: Because you are not turning in a paper copy of your dissertation to be bound, these documents DO NOT need to be on paper appropriate for bound theses. Normal-quality laser printer paper (or the equivalent) is acceptable.
After your defense, complete this survey and return it to Kirkwood Hall 111.
Cost:
$65 microfilming - mandatory
$65 copyrighting - optional
NOTE: When you submit your dissertation electronically, you'll be asked about microfilming and copyrighting your work. Microfilming is required, but copyrighting is optional. If you think you might publish your dissertation under your own name, then copyright your dissertation. If in doubt, ask your committee.
You will receive the diploma for your degree within about three months of your award date.
NOTE: Submitting your dissertation online replaces the unbound and bound dissertation required by the University Graduate School, HOWEVER, please remember to check with your department to see if they require a bound dissertation.
