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IRL@UMSL Graduate Works

Final Dissertation Procedures

Prepare the Correct Formatting

  • All Dissertation must have a 1½ inch margin on the left side. 
    • This is to accommodate any future binding of the dissertation.
  • All Dissertation title pages must reflect the information and format of the sample page - Word Template.
    • A dissertation may have a second title page that follows the writing style used or academic unit convention.
  • Please carefully review your submission for clarity, spelling and graduate school requirements.
    • Documents that have been carefully reviewed, process faster through our office.
  • DO NOT SUBMIT SIGNATURE PAGES
  • In matters of style and documentation, the custom of the discipline shall be followed.

Abstracts

●Abstracts are required for all dissertations submitted to the Graduate School.

●The abstract for the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation site must be no longer than 350 words.

 

Schedule Oral Defense, Announcement & Final Version of Dissertation

Work with your committee to choose a date that is at least 3 weeks away.

  • Schedule a room that is appropriate for the defense.

  • Consult the Graduation Deadlines to determine your graduating semester and the timeline for submitting final documents.

 

The Oral Defense Announcement will be posted on the Graduate School Website. This information is also posted on our social media pages.  You and your dissertation chairperson will be notified when it is posted. 

The following items are due in the Graduate School 3 weeks before the oral defense:

  • A D6 form with all committee and Graduate Program Director signatures
  • A D9 form & note: Abstracts must be 350 words or less.
  • A nearly final copy of your dissertation

All three items should be submitted as separate attachments in one email.

Go to your Oral Defense

  • E-Mail or bring a paper copy of the D7 to your oral defense.
  • Obtain the decisions and signatures of your committee on the D7
  • Submit the D7 electronically to Graduate School Forms

 

 

 

Complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates

Students earning a Ph.D. are required to complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Students completing an Ed.D. or a D.N.P. should not complete the survey.

 

Please note that the survey year ends in June. If you are a Summer graduate, please check with the Graduate School to make sure that the survey for your graduating class is available.

 

Students may complete the web-based survey here. When you complete the survey, a copy of your certificate of completion will be sent to the Graduate School by the Survey. Please keep a copy for your records, in case we do not get it.

 

Submit Final Dissertation [Two different submission sites]

There are two different sites that doctoral students are required to upload their dissertation.  The same version should be uploaded to both sites - please be sure that your dissertation meets the minimum requirements above so that it can be reviewed quickly.

 

This includes dissertations with short-term embargoes.  Please contact the Graduate School if your dissertation needs to be withheld from the public for up to 60 months.

More instructions on submitting to IRL below.

 

  1. IRL@UMSL - The Institutional Repository Library at the University of Missouri-St. Louis - http://irl.umsl.edu
    1. The Graduate School will accept the final version submitted electronically through the IRL@UMSL (http://irl.umsl.edu)
    2. A copy of your dissertation is made available through the IRL@UMSL (http://irl.umsl.edu) site.
    3. This site requires that you create an account.
  2. Proquest/UMI
    1. All doctoral students are required to submit their dissertations with Proquest/UMI’s ETD Administrator. Students are responsible for all fees associated with submission and publishing.  The University has no restrictions on the options offered by Proquest/UMI.
    2. If you need to delay availability in the UMSL library, please send a separate request to the Graduate School. Choosing a publishing restriction will not delay the shelving of your dissertation in the UMSL library or availability on the web.

 

Checklist for Final Approval

The Graduate School will give final approval on the D7 when:

  • We have proof of completion of the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only)
  • We have approved your submission to Proquest/UMI’s ETD Administrator
  • Your advisor has approved the electronic copy submitted to http://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation
  • You have a zero balance on your student account.  Charges for future coursework do not apply.

 

Personal Copies

The Graduate School will not accept any materials intended for personal copies or gift copies for the committee.  Students may order all copies from Proquest/UMI.

 

Copyright Information

Copyrighting is optional. You can register your copyright directly with the U.S. government at http://copyright.gov or Proquest/UMI offers to file the registration for you.  Request for copyright happens at the time of submission.

 

Creating an Account for IRL@UMSL

Screenshot of creating an account for IRL