Thesis and Project Guidelines

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Important ! There are 3 deadlines for submitting a thesis. Plan ahead!

1. Submit a Document for Review:
Students are required to have the format of their document checked by a reviewer prior to final submission. Reviewers are available throughout the quarter to answer questions and to meet with individuals. Appointments are required to meet with a reviewer. If a document is found to be unacceptable or incomplete, it will be referred back to the advisor or thesis committee.

2. Submit the 2 Forms and Upload the Approved Document:
Two forms are required for submission. The GS-13 form (approval page) and the Electronic Agreement form. Use the online templates to produce these forms. Obtain all committee member's signatures and submit the two signed forms to the thesis reviewer.

Prepare the approved document for uploading:

• Embed all fonts
• Include GS-13 (approval page) without signatures as the first page
• Ensure preliminary and chapter pages are numbered correctly
• Convert file to PDF. Or use easy conversion tool in ETD Administrator
• Check PDF security settings. Must be set to "No security"
• Check file size - maximum 250MB
• Recheck file for accuracy

Proceed with the submission process at the UMI ETD Administrator website and create an account. Log on and follow the instructions provided. Allow approximately 1 hour.

ETD Submission Tutorial: PPT

Supplemental CDs and DVDs, such as music compositions or videos, cannot be uploaded to the ETD Administrator. Instead submit discs to the thesis reviewer. For more information on non-print media, see chapter 4 of the Thesis Guide.

3. Receive Confirmation that Submission is Complete:  Watch on YouTube
Reviewers check all files and certify that all information is accurate. If errors are found in an account or PDF document, instructions are emailed to make changes and re-submit. Final submissions must be done before the deadline. Once all corrections are made, an email confirmation is sent.

The Library submits all approved files to the vendor and informs the Registrar's Office, College Graduate Dean, Office of Graduate Studies and Research, and the Graduation Office that the document has been accepted. ETDs become available to campus users in 8-12 weeks via the library's catalog and digital repository.

Submission Checklist:

 Read The Guide to Preparation of Master’s Theses and Project Reports

Register for the quarter in which the document is to be submitted to the Library

Attend a thesis/project preparation workshop

Schedule an appointment with a reviewer to have the format of the document reviewed

Prepare GS-13 form AND Electronic Agreement form and obtain signatures

Upload approved final PDF file to UMI ETD Administrator website