Dissertation Checklist

  • Defend dissertation and complete revisions
  • Apply to graduate
  • Receive permission for previously copyrighted material included beyond fair use
  • Discuss dissertation embargo with faculty and research collaborators
  • Check diploma name
    • Matches name in ETD Administrator (where names uses upper and lower case: Robert Redfield)
    • Matches name on title page (where name uses upper case: ROBERT REDFIELD)
  • Check title in ETD Administrator
  • Check ETD Administrator sections are complete and accurate
    • Publishing information (traditional or open access, search engines, delayed release, institutional repository options, Creative Commons, permanent contact information including 8-digit student ID starting with 10 or 12)
    • About my dissertation/thesis (all sections, keywords, abstract no more than 500 words, etc.)
    • Submission & payment (U.S. copyright, author copies)
  • Check PDF and supplemental files for compliance with formatting requirements
    • fonts
    • line spacing
    • margins
    • page numbers
    • parts of the dissertation
    • title page
    • table of contents
    • list of tables, figures, other lists
    • tables, figures, other images
    • references and footnotes
    • appendices
    • bibliography
    • supplemental files
  • Proofread PDF and supplemental files
  • Complete Survey of Earned Doctorates and upload certificate of completion
  • Complete the University of Chicago Doctoral Graduate Survey
  • Notify graduate program administrator that submission is ready for departmental approval
  • Upload signed and completed copy of Departmental Approval Form
  • Submit final version of dissertation
  • Correct formatting and provide additional material as requested by Dissertation Office
  • Retain copy of ProQuest and IR agreements, permission letters, and information regarding options selected or paid for