FAQ's
On this page you will find some Frequently Asked Questions related to Dissertation and Thesis Review (DTR) and answers will include references to pertinent sections of the Dissertation & Thesis Manual (DTM).
- COPYRIGHT
- DEADLINES and Related Questions
- FORMATTING QUESTIONS
- PRE-SUBMITTAL CONSULTATIONS
- SIGNATURE PAGE
- SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
1. Whose name should I put on my copyright page: My name or my professor's name? My professor said to put his/her name because I am using his/her data.
YOUR NAME belongs on the copyright page (in the same form it is on the title and signature page). The thesis is yours and only yours. The issue of who owns the data, and publication rights to that data, has been addressed on page 2 of the Thesis Committee Form, "Rights to Thesis/Dissertation Data and Publication Authorship" that both you and your thesis chair signed when the Thesis Committee Form was completed.
2. What are the deadlines this semester and can you explain what they are?
See the Deadlines page. It contains a calendar of deadlines for this academic year with detailed explanations of each of the deadlines.
3. Do we need to take the without-risk deadline seriously?
YES! Always take the without-risk deadline seriously. If the dissertation & thesis reviewer is able to process theses submitted after that deadline, it should be considered a nice surprise. Never count on graduating if you submit after that deadline.
4. What are my chances for having my thesis reviewed in time to graduate this semester if I submit it after the without-risk deadline?
Firstly, this will depend on the number of theses that have been submitted ahead of yours. Secondly, if revisions to your formatting are needed after the first review, it will depend on how closely your read and apply the comments given to you by the Thesis Reviewer. When you submit your thesis, the Thesis Reviewer will be able to give you an idea of where you stand in the queue for review.
5. Do you have any idea how many people will be submitting their theses this semester?
Over the last six years, the number of thesis submittals has been rising. Using the spring 2007 semester as an example, please note the following statistics:
- Total theses submitted: 275
- Total submitted before the without risk deadline: 50
- Total submitted during the at risk timeframe: 139
- Total submitted the last week of semester 86
Please note that there is one person doing this job (on a part-time basis) plus all the related administrative responsibilities (like maintaining and updating this website). The best chance you have of graduating if you submit your thesis after the without-risk deadline is to submit a perfectly formatted thesis. Either hire a professional or carefully read and follow the DTM and use one of the thesis templates as well as the other resources provided on this website. (Also see questions #3).
Many of the formatting questions students ask have already been addressed on the Top 10 Formatting Problems web page or can be found by searching the DTM, the template tutorials, or the readme file.
6. Can I make an appointment with the Dissertation & Thesis Reviewer for a pre-submittal consultation any time during the semester?
NO. Due to time constraints, presubmittal consultations are not offered this semester. For more information see presubmittal consultations on the DTR home page.
7. But what if I have formatting questions?
Students may contact the Dissertation & Thesis Reviewer with specific questions at any time during the semester either by phone (594-4165) or email (thesisreview@mail.sdsu.edu). However, it is expected that you will first search the DTM, the readme file and other resources (such as the Top 10 Formatting Problems) before calling the Reviewer.
8. Does the signature page need to be on special paper (100% cotton or other acid-free paper)?
NO. Although an original signature page is required at the time of submission, a scanned and re-printed copy will be bound with your manuscript. For more information on the printing requirements, read Sections 6.1 and 6.2 in the DTM.
9. Ink Color: One of my professors signed in blue ink. Will I have to get a new signature page signed?
It depends. The signature page will be scanned and reprinted so the signature mut be dark enough to be clearly read. If you are concerned the Thesis Reviewer will be available to make a determination.
10. If I use the signature page provided in the Thesis Template, everything will be automatically formatted correctly, right?
NO. The page is formatted for you, but you must type in your name and thesis title correctly as well as your faculty member's names and their department names correctly. Also, the order in which the faculty names appear must be correct. The instructions for this are in the DTM.
11. Does the Dissertation & Thesis Reviewer need to be in when I submit my dissertation/thesis?
NO. It is not necessary for the reviewer to be in when you submit your thesis. You can drop off the signature page to room SSE-1410 and go home and register online to the Thesis Submission Website. Please see the Submit the Thesis for Format Review section on the DTR Procedures page for details regarding the submission process.
12. I'm not in San Diego; can I mail in my signature page or have someone else deliver it for me?
Yes. Mail your signature page (Fed-Ex, USPS overnight or registered mail, etc.) to the address shown on the DTR Home Page to the attention of the Thesis Reviewer. Please see the Submit the Thesis for Format Review section on the DTR Procedures page for details regarding the submission process.
13. What happens after I submit my thesis?
The DTR Procedures page includes information on the Format Review Process, normal turn-around time that you can expect, and the thirty-day deadline that goes into effect once the Dissertation & Thesis Reviewer has reviewed your thesis.
14. When do I take my manuscript to Montezuma Publishing for printing?
Last Revised: 10-16-09After the Dissertation & Thesis Reviewer has reviewed and approved your manuscript, she will submit it electronically to Montezuma Publishing for printing. For detailed information about this process, the options available, what kinds of special processing needs can be accommodated, and what to expect on the hardcover binding, read Section 6.6 and all its subsections in the DTM.
