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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 Thursday

National Library Binding Co.
55 South State Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46201
(317) 636-5606
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thesis On Demand
A new online option for IU graduate students.
Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions.
Cost is based on the number of pages and other factors. For a quote, complete the order form far enough to see a projection of the cost, or call the HF Group for more information. 1-800-334-3628.

IU's Ordering Page


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:

  1. Title page (mandatory) - see Appendix C
  2. 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.
  3. Copyright page (optional) - see Appendix F
  4. Dedication (optional)
  5. 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.
  6. Preface (optional)
  7. Abstract, unsigned (mandatory) - see Appendix G - Abstract
  8. Table of Contents (mandatory)
  9. Lists of tables, figures, appendixes, abbreviations and other supplemental materials (if appropriate)

At the end of the dissertation or thesis, place a:


TO COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE

Defend Dissertation

  1. Arrange a mutually agreeable time with your committee.
  2. Set up the oral exam at least thirty days prior to when you wish to defend.
  3. Submit your Defense Announcement at least thirty days prior to when you wish to defend.
    • We begin counting the thirty days from the date your document is received by our office.
    • Track your document to ensure timely approval. Refer to the Quick Reference guide in OneStart to see how to do this.
  4. 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.

Access to Defense Announcement Form and Reference Materials

  1. Once your defense time and date are set, submit your defense announcement
    • 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.
  2. During your oral examination, have your FULL committee sign:

    3. 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.

  3. 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.
  4. Microfilming and Copyright Registration: Decide if you want to register your copyright. Microfilming is required, but there is no microfilming fee for ProQuest if you file an electronic dissertation.

    5. Cost:
    $55 copyright registration - optional

    NOTE: When you submit your dissertation electronically with ProQuest, you'll be asked about microfilming and registering the copyright for your work. Microfilming is required (free), but copyright registration ($55) is optional. You may also make your dissertation available via open access for free through the IUB Libraries IUScholarWorks site.

  5. Bring the following items to the University Graduate School, Kirkwood Hall 114.
    • 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 (either download and print, pick this form up from the University Graduate School, Kirkwood Hall 114, or follow the link below):

         Paper Version:
         Purpose and Use (.pdf)
         Questionnaire (.pdf)
         Confidentiality Guidelines (.pdf)

      -OR-

         Online Version

      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.
  6. Verify that the Office of the Registrar has the correct spelling of your name and correct diploma-mailing address.

    7. 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.

  7. Complete the University Graduate School's Exit Survey (optional)

    8. After your defense, complete this survey and return it to Kirkwood Hall 111.

 

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