1. Thesis & Dissertation Guidelines
LSU Graduate School
Student Services
114 David Boyd Hall

2. Major Dates during your Graduation Semester/Term
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Major Dates during your Graduation Semester/Term
The major dates that affect your graduation during the semester that you plan to graduate can be found in the Graduate School Calendar. The link is:
If this link doesn’t work, simply go to the Graduate School home page and click on the “Graduate Calendar” button under the Quick Links section.
The following events/deadlines during your last semester that you need to do are as follows:
Submit the Application for Degree Form (Form on website at: Note the
Final Date on the calendar when this form is due.
Final Date for registering as a “DEGREE ONLY” candidate where all degree requirements,
including thesis/dissertation.
Submit the Request for Final Exam (comprehensive exam, thesis/dissertation defense). Note the
Laura

3. Thesis/Dissertation Submission Process
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Thesis/Dissertation Submission Process
1. READ THE GUIDELINES! This document is found on the ETD home page (etd.lsu.edu).
2. Following your defense, request a logon id and password which will allow you to create your Collection Page where you will attach your thesis/dissertation for review and approval. This ID and Password Request Form is found on the ETD Home page. It is an online form.
3. Use your id and password to log in to the Collection Page. This “Log In” link is also on the ETD home page.
Kate

4. This is the “ETD” (Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Library”) page that is a link from the Graduate School home page that contain all the information and links that have been mentioned in the previous slides and will be mentioned during the remainder of this presentation.
Need to replace with updated page as this doesn’t have the link for the survey or the Access Request Form

5. This is the online “Request for ETD Username and Password Form that you must submit following your defense so that you can have access to creating the Collection Page where your final PDF document will be attached.

6. The Graduate School
The Collection Page
See page 7 in the Guidelines for the Steps in completing this page.
Some special points to know about this virtual Collection page:
Use your full name as shown in your university records (on your ID card).
Type the document title in a mixed-case font.
The Abstract cannot exceed 350 words.
Advisory committee names are to be listed by their last name, first name. No titles are to be used.
Document must be a PDF. Use the correct protocol for naming your file.
Note the information at the bottom of page 7 regarding confirmation of successful submission.

7. The next four slides are the Collection Pages that you will see once you log on with your credentials that were sent to you. Use page 7 in the Guidelines to help you compete these pages.

10. Once you Log Out of the Collection Page, log back in using your credentials and you should see your competed Collection Page that looks like this sample one.

11. Additional Required Documents
Thesis/Dissertation Access Request Form – All graduating students must submit this form if they have written a thesis or dissertation. This form will tell us what access (release to the general public/restricted) to your document you want once your document has been approved. This form can be found on the Graduate School Home Page website  Theses and Dissertations 
Thesis/Dissertation Access Request Form
The Survey of Earned Doctorates – All Doctoral Students are required to complete this online survey that is provided by the National Science Foundation. The link can be found on the Graduate School Home page website  Theses and Dissertations 
The Survey of Earned Doctorates (Required of all doctoral students prior to document approval)

12. This is a “Request for Restricted Access to Thesis/Dissertation” form that must be submitted by all master and doctoral students during your last semester about the time of Collection Page submission. Your document will not be approved until this form is submitted as it tells us how you would like your document to be available once it is approved. Note that your actual signature is required for all of the three choices and your major professor’s actual signature is required if you choose either of the two restriction choices.
Need new form

13. Margins Must be consistent throughout the document.
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Margins
Must be consistent throughout the document.
Suggested margins are ½ or 1 inch on all four sides.
Use left or full justification. If full justification is used, make sure your software does not introduce large, unsightly spaces between words.
Every page must begin at the top of the page regardless of whether it is a table, figure, formula, reference, etc.
No more than three double-spaced lines are allowed at the bottom of the page. This is to compensate for lone subheadings or widows that may fall at the bottom of a page.

14. The Graduate School
Font and Point Size
Use the same font throughout your document. Only exception is the information that would be in a figure.
Common fonts are Arial and Times New Roman which are easy to read.
Use 10 or 12 point size for all text, tables, subheadings and captions.
A 14 point type size may be used for the title on the title page and for all main headings which will always start a new page.
Boldface is only used for main headings and subheadings and any bold that might appear in figures. No bold in any tables is permitted.
Italics is only used for journal titles, book titles, scientific terms, foreign words, musical titles, art titles, 1-2 word emphasis in your text, or words that are in figures. They are not used for the title, main headings, subheadings, tables and figure captions, and table contents.

15. Pagination Title page is unnumbered. All other pages are numbered.
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Pagination
Title page is unnumbered. All other pages are numbered.
Number all front matter pages with lowercase Roman numerals beginning with ii.
Number all remaining pages with Arabic numbers beginning with the first page following your Abstract with page 1.
All page numbers are to be centered at the bottom of the page and must be the same font and size as your document text.
Numbers should be at least one double space from the last line of text and no less than ½ inch from the bottom of the page.
Landscaped figure pages are to have the page number centered on the long side of the page below the figure.

16. Order of the Elements Front Matter Title Page (REQUIRED)
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Order of the Elements
Front Matter
Title Page (REQUIRED)
Copyright Page (optional)
Dedication (optional)
Acknowledgements (optional)
Preface (optional)
Table of Contents (REQUIRED)
List of Tables (optional)
List of Figures (optional)
Abstract (REQUIRED)

17. Order of the Elements Back Matter Body of Text Matter (ALL REQUIRED)
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Order of the Elements
Body of Text Matter (ALL REQUIRED)
Introduction, Literature Review, Chapters
Results and/or Conclusions
Bibliography or References
Back Matter
Appendices (Optional)
Vita (REQUIRED)

18. The Graduate School
Title Page
Title must be centered, single spaced, in all capital letters and at the top line below your top margin.
Boldface is not permitted.
Title font size may be larger (typically 14 point) than the rest of the text on this page which must be the same font size as your document text.
Note the layout in the back pages of the Guidelines for the placement of the information required on this page. Wording must be exactly like the samples in the back of the Guidelines.
The month and year of graduation must be sitting on the bottom margin. No comma is used between them. See the sample on the next slide.

20. Dedication & Acknowledgments
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Dedication & Acknowledgments
Both Elements
Best if these are kept brief.
They are to be in the same font and point size as the body of the text and formatted like the other main headings.
Dedication
It is not listed as a main heading on its page, nor in the Table of Contents.
Acknowledgments/Acknowledgements (Choose only one spelling of the word)
It is generally the first main heading of most documents. Therefore, it is formatted like all other main headings.
It is an entry in the Table of Contents.

21. The Graduate School
Table of Contents
The Table of Contents is not included in the Table of Contents listing.
Double space between each main heading.
Multi-line headings and subheadings must be single spaced and their words should not extend in the area of the page numbers.
Page numbers must be flush right in a straight line.
Subheadings do not have to be in the Table of Contents.
No boldface is used in the Table of Contents. Only exception is if all main headings are in boldface, then the “Table of Contents” heading must be in boldface as well.
Must be in the same font as the document. The main heading can be no larger than 14 point. However, all other text on this page must be the same as your document text (no larger than 12 point).

22. Sample Table of Contents

23. List of Tables, Figures, Schemes, etc.
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List of Tables, Figures, Schemes, etc.
These elements are not required, but if they are used, the entries must agree word-for-word with their entries in the body of work.
Double space between each table, figure, or scheme entry.
Multi-line captions must be single spaced and their words should not extend in the area of the page numbers.
Page numbers must be flush right in a straight line.
No boldface is used on these pages. Only exception is if all main headings are in boldface, then these headings must be in boldface.
Must be in the same font as the document. The main headings can be no larger than 14 point. However, all other text on these pages must be the same as your document text (no larger than 12 point).
Sample pages are in the back of the Guidelines.

24. The Graduate School
Abstract
A required element of your document that is a brief summary of your project.
Only one Abstract is permitted. If you have one for each chapter, these must be removed and the information condensed into one Abstract.
Must not exceed 350 words. Numbers and components of hyphenated words count as one word each.
Must be in the same font as the document. The main heading can be no larger than 14 point. However, all other text on this page must be the same as your document text (no larger than 12 point).
Must have the same spacing and style as the body of text.
No graphs, tables, illustrations, or key words are to be in the Abstract.

25. Body of Text Main Headings
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Body of Text
Main Headings
Each one must begin at the top of a new page.
Examples include Acknowledgments, Table of Contents, Lists of Tables, List of Figures, Abstract, Chapters, References, Appendix, and Vita.
Should be more visually prominent than your subheadings and text through the use of all capital letters, boldface, and/or up to 14 point font size.
Must be identical with one another in font, point size, placement, capitalization, boldface, etc. throughout the document.
Single space main headings longer than one line.
Use one double space between each main heading and the first line of text.

26. Body of Text Subheadings
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Body of Text
Subheadings
Follow a logical descending sequence from the “a/first-level” subheading down to “c/third-level.” Avoid using more than three subheadings.
Each level must be visually subordinate from the main heading and the subheading level above it. This is done with the use of placement, boldface, indention, etc.
Each level must be identical with one another in font, point size, placement, capitalization, boldface, etc. throughout the document.
Single space subheadings longer than one line.
One double space between the subheading and first line of text.

27. Body of Text Notes and Footnotes
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Body of Text
Notes and Footnotes
All must follow a consistent style throughout the document.
May be placed at the bottom of the page or grouped at the end of each chapter.
May be numbered consecutively throughout or begin with number 1 in each chapter.

28. Body of Text Endnotes Begin with number 1 in each chapter.
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Body of Text
Endnotes
Begin with number 1 in each chapter.
Are considered a subsection of the chapter, thus the subheading, “Endnotes” must be formatted as an a/first-level subheading.
Do not begin on a separate page as they are treated like a subheading.
Single space within each endnote.
Double space between each endnote.

29. The Graduate School
Body of Text
Photographs, Illustrations, Images, Audio, and Oversized Materials
All can be included as standard electronic images - .jpg, .tif, .gif – within the body of the text.
Captions must be placed below the entry in the same font and point size as your document.
Audio files may also be included in acceptable media.
Contact our office for any specific formatting concerns with these materials.

30. The Graduate School
Tables and Figures
Format the entry numbers and captions identically throughout the text by consistently using the same punctuation, capitalization, and line location (centered/flush left). Same is true for the table/figure location.
Maintain the same font and point size as the text for the captions and for all the data and information in your tables.
Table numbers and captions must appear above the table.
Figure numbers and captions must appear below the figure.
Numbering can be either:
Consecutively throughout the text (Table 1. XXXX, Table 2. XXXX)
Consecutively within each chapter/appendix (Table 2.1, Table A.1)

31. The Graduate School
Tables and Figures
Multi-line titles and captions must be single spaced.
Use of frames/boxes around tables and figures is optional, but their use must be consistent throughout your document – frame all or frame none.
Placement must be following their first mention in the text and as close to this mention as possible (same page or next page). These can be placed within a sentence as they do not have to be placed at the end of a paragraph or section.
It is not permissible to group tables and figures at the end of the chapter.
Two or more small, successive tables/figures may be on the same page.

32. The Graduate School
Tables and Figures
Large tables/figures can be in landscape orientation. They, their captions and page numbers must face the right side of the page.
If a table is longer than one page, place (Table X.X continued) at the top left margin of all continuing pages. A table’s column heading must be repeated on the continuing pages.
Multi-part figures must have a single caption at the bottom of the first page and with (Figure X.X continued) at the top left margin of the next page. Parts must be labeled a, b, c, etc.
Tables and figures must be within the margin guidelines.

33. References/Bibliography
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References/Bibliography
A required main heading element for all documents.
Must follow a consistent style for all references.
Single space within each reference.
Double space between each reference.
Follow rules for widows and orphans for split references between pages.

34. References/Bibliography
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References/Bibliography
If references are alphabetized, follow these points:
Must be by first author’s last name.
If an author has another reference(s) as a single author and s/he is also the lead author in other references, list single author listing(s) first (multiple listings – by date, oldest first), then by second author’s last name.
All references must follow appropriate punctuation rules.
Entries that do not have an author(s) are placed alphabetically by the first word of the entry. (U. S. Department of Education would be listed accordingly with those beginning with U.)

35. References/Bibliography
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References/Bibliography
References may be numbered according to their first appearance in the document.
References can be listed at the end of each chapter instead of one cumulative listing at the end of the main body of text. If multiple reference lists are used, each listing must be formatted the same. In addition, these reference entries are to appear as the last subheading of each chapter.
Regardless of which reference listing you use, the listings must have the first line of the reference placed flush left with the subsequent lines of the reference indented.
The following slide is a sample of how your reference listing should look.

37. The Graduate School
Appendices
An optional element generally used for letters of permission, IRB certifications, questionnaires, surveys, program data, etc. that is relevant but not critical to the document’s purpose.
Letters of permission must be included in an appendix if previously published work is used in the document.
Copies of IRB approvals must be included in an appendix if human subjects are used in the research.

38. The Graduate School
Appendices
Must appear in the Table of Contents with a title that broadly describes each appendix’s content.
If more than one appendix is used, they must be numbered (Appendix 1) or lettered (Appendix A).
Appendix titles are considered main headings and must be in the same font, format, page location, and style as all the other main headings.
For those that are copied/pasted, they must meet within the margin guidelines.
If tables and/or figures are used, they must be identified appropriately and be in the same format and style as those in the document.

39. Vita A required main heading element for all documents.
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Vita
A required main heading element for all documents.
This Vita is a brief (one or two paragraphs) biographical sketch written in third person. It is NOT a Curriculum Vitae or Resume’.
Must appear in the Table of Contents as the last element.
Use “Vita” as the heading in the same font, format, page location, and style as all the other main headings.
Do not use your complete birth date for privacy and identity protection.
Since the thesis or dissertation is a formal document, do not use abbreviations for states and countries.

40. The Graduate School
Vita
It is not appropriate to state that the author has earned or will earn his Master’s Degree or Ph.D. from Louisiana State University because a student must have completed graduation and received the diploma before the title is bestowed. As the title page states, this document is “in partial fulfillment” for the degree, not in fulfillment for the degree.
It is permissible to state that the author is in pursuit of the degree, is in the process of completing the degree, is a candidate to graduate with the degree, or anticipates graduation in month (December, May, August) and year.

41. © [year] of graduation/copyright
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Copyright
Most master’s students do not choose to copyright their document.
Interested students should contact the Copyright Office directly at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. or visit their website at:
If you do copyright the document, insert a page (ii) following the title page that states:
© [year] of graduation/copyright
[your full legal name]
All rights reserved
Your committee chairman should be able to assist you with this process.

42. The Graduate School
Ethical Matters
Students are responsible for adherence to all University standards regarding the conduct of research, completion of studies, and all matters relating to the thesis, dissertation, or monograph.
Please see these appropriate University documents for specific regulations:
The LSU Code of Student Conduct
LSU Policies and Procedures
LSU rules of Accountability and Academic Integrity
IRB policies regarding research conduct
All Federal policies relating to research conduct

43. The Graduate School
Ethical Matters
The use of published articles carries responsibilities. In ALL CASES, YOU MUST:
Obtain departmental approval.
Adhere to the requirements established by the University Bylaws and Regulations, Part 7, page 47.
MUST be the principal author (first listed) of the published work.
Obtain written permission from the journal to use the published work. When doing so, you must mention that your document will be viewable on the web.
The letters requesting and granting permission(s) to use articles must appear as an appendix in your dissertation.

44. ****This checklist appears in the back of the Guidelines****
Final Thesis Checklist _____ Have you submitted your Application for Degree to the Office of Graduate Student Services? _____ Has your committee submitted your Master’s Examination and Thesis Report (commonly called approval sheets) to the Office of Graduate Student Services by your department? _____ Have you thoroughly proofread the manuscript for content and syntax? _____ Are your name and thesis title identical on the title page and approval sheets? _____ Have you checked for accuracy of pagination? _____ Have all headings, subheading, and page number changes been made in the Table of Contents? _____ Do the Table of Contents, List of Tables, and List of Figures reproduce, word-for-word, the headings and titles as expressed in the text? _____ Does your thesis meet margin, font, and size requirements? _____ If you have any previously published material in your dissertation, have you applied for and received permission to reprint it? (A copy of any letter(s) of permission and approval must appear in an appendix.) _____ Did your research involve human subjects? If, yes, have you included a copy of your IRB Approval Form in an appendix? _____ Have you notified the Graduate School whether or not you will be attending commencement? _____ Have you submitted the Thesis/Dissertation Access Request Form? This is required from all students regardless of whether you want us to release your document to the public or restrict access to it once it is approved.

45. ****This checklist appears in the back of the Guidelines****
Final Dissertation and Monograph Checklist
_____ Have you submitted your Application for Degree to the Office of Graduate Student Services?
_____ Have your committee approval sheets been submitted to the Office of Graduate Student Services by your department?
_____ Have you thoroughly proofread the manuscript for content and syntax? 
_____ Are your name and dissertation title identical on title page and approval sheets?
_____ Have you checked for accuracy of pagination? 
_____ Have all heading and subheading changes and page number changes been made in the Table of Contents, List of Tables, and List of illustrations?
_____ Do the Table of Contents, List of Tables, and List of Figures reproduce, word-for-word, the headings and titles as expressed in the text?
_____ Does your dissertation meet margin, font, and point-size requirements? 
_____ Have you notified the Graduate School whether or not you will be attending commencement? 
_____ If you have any previously published material in your dissertation, have you applied for and received permission to reprint it? (A copy of any letter(s) of permission must appear in a appendix.)
_____ Did your research involve human subjects? If, yes, have you included a copy of your IRB Approval Form in an appendix? 
_____ Have you submitted the Thesis/Dissertation Access Request Form? This is required from all students regardless of whether you want us to release your document to the public or restrict access to it once it is approved.
_____ Have you completed the Survey of Earned Doctorates? To do so, visit this link on the Graduate School ETD portal. This survey is required by all doctoral students before documents can be approved.

46. ****This Most Frequent Errors appears in the back of the Guidelines****
Most Frequent Errors Incorrect entry of document title on ETD Collection Page: Mixed case font is required for the title. Incorrect entry of committee names: Last name, First Name. Abstract is longer than 350 words. Incorrect title page format: Line for line, space for space, and capitalization or lowercasing of each word. Incorrect listings in the Table of Contents against the in-text headings and subheadings, word for word, capitalization, and punctuation. Incorrect titles in the Lists of Tables and Lists of Figures against the titles as they appear in the text with the entry. Incorrect spacing: Single space subheadings, table titles, and figure titles of more than one line — both in text and in the Table of Contents. Spacing inconsistent below main headings, above and below subheadings, tables, figures, schemes, examples, formulas, equations, references, etc. Incorrect capitalization: Consistency in the lowercase style or the headline style of capitalization in: chapter titles, subheadings, figure titles, and table titles. Incorrect formatting of references: Single space each entry in a list of references and double space between each entry. References not listed in correct alphabetical order. Using both the & and the word, and, in multiple author references. Either is acceptable but not both. References not ending with a period. The Vita is not in third person. Student has listed full birthdate. States that s/he will graduate with a Master’s or Ph.D. from LSU (You may state: plans to graduate; expects to graduate; is a candidate to graduate as examples.

47. THANK YOU & BEST OF LUCK!! The Graduate School The Graduate School
Student Services
114 David Boyd Hall