Thesis (Project) Preparation Information and
University Format Requirements

New--Electronic Thesis / Project (ETP)

Thesis (Project) Preparation Information

UNIVERSITY THESIS COORDINATOR (UTC)

In the library, the University Thesis Coordinator (UTC) assures that each thesis submitted meets approved university format guidelines and assists in the verifying that department degree requirements are fulfilled.

THESIS WORKSHOPS

It is strongly recommended that students attend one of the special University Thesis Coordinator (UTC) Thesis Workshops offered each quarter to learn about the format and submission requirements and to verify deadlines for submission for that quarter.

GUIDE TO PREPARATION OF MASTER'S THESES AND PROJECT REPORTS

The Guide to Preparation of Master's Theses and Project Reports is available full-text on the Library Web, or can be purchased at the University Book Store.

UTC CONSULTATIONS

The UTC is available for individual consultation with students and thesis advisors regarding specific thesis requirements. (The UTC does not check a thesis for subject content, research quality, or editorial review such as punctuation, grammar and spelling). The current UTC, Yvonne Hasegawa, can be contacted in the library at (323) 343-4985.

University Format Requirements

PAPER

8 1/2 by 11 inch, 20 or 24 pound weight, 100 percent cotton, watermarked, plain white paper is the only paper the library will accept for the two copies submitted to the library. The UTC can suggest sources for this quality of paper.

MARGINS

The left, top, and bottom margins will measure 1 1/2 inches and the right margin will be 1 inch. Page numbers can fall within this margin but must be at least 1/2 inch from the paper edge.

TYPING (WORDPROCESSING, etc.)

Processing of the thesis or project uses one side of the paper only, double spaced, with a 12 point size typeface of letter-quality black printing only. A legible type face must be used. Only one size and one style of type may be used. For those who choose to hire a typist, a partial list of thesis typists is available from the University Thesis Coordinator. Typists are not approved or recommended by the library, but simply offered as suggested people to contact.

ARRANGEMENT OF PARTS OF THE THESIS OR PROJECT

The main text is preceded by preliminary pages arranged in the following order: approval (signature) page, title page, copyright page, acknowledgments (optional), abstract, table of contents, list of tables, figures, plates (if any). Samples of the approved university format for the approval and title pages are in the thesis guide. The main text is divided into chapters. When present, endnotes, glossary, list of references, appendices, and index follow the main text, and in that order. Each preliminary page, chapter in the main text, the start of endnotes, references and appendices, must begin on a new page.

NUMBERING OF PAGES

Preliminary pages, except the approval page and the title page, are numbered using lower case Roman numerals (ii, iv, etc.). All preliminary pages, except the approval page, are counted in pagination. Beginning with page one of chapter one, all other pages of the thesis or project report are numbered using standard Arabic numerals and are counted in pagination, continuing all the way through all appendices to the end.

HEADING AND SUBHEADINGS

Chapters must be constructed and presented in a consistent manner within the thesis. Follow individual department guidelines. If a specific style manual is required then that manual's requirements will be observed.

NOTES

Follow individual department guidelines for placement of notes, footnotes, etc. consistently throughout the thesis.

LITERATURE REFERENCES

Citation format in a thesis will follow the guidelines specified by the student's department and must be consistent within the thesis.

TABLES AND FIGURES

Tables are comprised of data, such as statistical information, which are presented in column and row format. Illustrative materials such as graphs, charts, diagrams, plans, maps, and photographs, are referred to as figures. Tables and figures are numbered uniquely, consecutively, and in separate sequences, and conform to department guidelines. Figures contained on large size paper must be folded carefully to meet the margin and binding requirements. Tables and figures are to be placed as close as possible to the first reference to them in the main text or may be placed in appropriate appendices at the end of the thesis or project.

SUBMISSION OF COMPLETED THESIS OR PROJECT

Two perfect copies of the complete thesis or project, with three original signature approval pages must be submitted to the UTC/Library. One copy will be housed in the Thesis Collection room and the other copy will be housed in Special Collections. All pages must be on 100% cotton paper. A final draft of your thesis/project must be shown to the UTC (by appointment) for any format revisions before printing onto the 100% cotton paper. If your thesis or project is accompanied by a disc, film cassette, etc., then two copies of that must also be submitted. At the time of submission, a bindery payment card will be issued and the bindery fee must be paid at the University Cashier's Office. The Cashier stamps the bindery fee payment card, which must be returned to the University Thesis Coordinator by the student. The payment date is considered the completion date of the thesis. The UTC informs the College Graduate Dean and Graduation Office that the thesis has been accepted. The very last day to submit a thesis or project is the Thursday after finals week of each quarter. The deadline for Spring 2008 is Thursday, June 12, 2008, 12:00 noon.

THESIS BINDING

The UTC will bind only the two copies which are required for the library. Binding of personal or department copies must be handled by the student. The UTC can provide the name and address of the contract binder that the Library uses, and suggest other methods of binding for the student's copies.

THESIS PUBLISHING

For submission to University Microfilms International (UMI) for listing in the Masters Index, ask the UTC for instructions.

AUTHOR - This Library Web Guide was authored by Yvonne Hasegawa, the University Thesis Coordinator. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about the content of this Library guide, please phone Ms. Hasegawa at (323) 343-4985.