You are here: Â鶹ÊÓƵ Provost Office of Graduate & Professional Studies Graduate Studies Guide to Electronic Theses and Dissertations FAQ for the Thesis/Dissertation Process
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Documentation
Aside from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Submission and Style Guide, are there other formatting guidelines I need to follow?
 In addition to the Guide, you will need to consult a style manual. Some academic units may follow a particular method of citation specific to a discipline; in those cases students should use the authoritative style manual for their field. Print style guides are available in the library and we have compiled some online style resources. If your school or college does not specify a style guide, you may use the most recent edition of A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, These, and Dissertations, by Kate L. Turabian. This is the official University style manual which is available at the University Library Reference Desk and in the Campus Bookstore.
Formatting Assistance
Where can I get assistance with formatting my thesis/dissertation?
Students with questions about how to format in MS Word or the MS Word template should contact the ETD administrator for their school.
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Where can I find the Â鶹ÊÓƵ thesis/dissertation templates?
Templates are available for users of Microsoft Word, Mac Word, and LaTeX.
I found a problem with the template. Who can I talk to?
Problems with the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Microsoft Word template can be reported to the library's ETD coordinator. LaTeX template bugs can be reported to Dr. Alan Issac (x3785).
Research Assistance
How can I obtain reference assistance for researching my thesis/dissertation topic?
You can reach the University Library's Research, Teaching & Learning Division through the following routes.
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Telephone: 202-885-3238
In-person:Â Reference Desk, First Floor, University Library
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By Appointment:Â
Copyright
Whom can I contact if I have questions about using copyrighted material in my thesis/dissertation?
You can contact Rachel Borchardt (borchard@american.edu) in the university library.
Thesis/Dissertation Collection
What does the library do with the thesis/dissertation?
The library permanently maintains a microfilm copy as part of the library's physical collection and an electronic copy in Â鶹ÊÓƵDRA (Â鶹ÊÓƵ Digital Research Archive). A catalog record for each thesis/dissertation is added to Primo, the online catalog.
How can I see a copy of a thesis/dissertation?
Primo, the online catalog, gives an accession number that corresponds to the microfilm copy that is stored on the lower level of the library. The microfilm copy is available for public viewing. For theses submitted through 2011, a bound copy is stored in University Archives or the WRLC Center for preservation and may be retrieved for onsite consultation. If you would like to see a bound copy, inquire at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Archives. As of 2003, an electronic copy (a pdf file) of each thesis and dissertation is available as a free download in the Dissertations and Theses (Â鶹ÊÓƵ-authored) database when that database is accessed on-campus or off-campus by current Â鶹ÊÓƵ students, faculty or staff.Â
Contacts
Who can I contact in my division/college if I have further questions about completing my thesis/dissertation?
College of Arts & Sciences
Lauren Tabbara, Graduate Academic Programs Manager, (202) 885-2441
School of Communication
Jean McGee, Director of Graduate Advising, (202) 885-2078
School of International Service
Savannah R. Diaz, SIS PhD Program Coordinator, (202) 885-6435
School of Public Affairs
Robert Briggs, Academic Counselor, (202) 885-6204
Washington College of Law
Bill Ryan, Law Librarian, (202) 274-4331