Writing a thesis or dissertation is an important and meaningful step in your academic program. It is the beginning of a transition between being a student in your field and being and being a fully trained professional. As such, a thesis or dissertation also requires a higher level of academic responsibility compared to other assignments in your classes.
What is an ETD?
We will often refer to your thesis or dissertation manuscript as an ETD. This acronym stands for "Electronic Theses and Dissertations" and refers to the computer file containing your thesis or dissertation. We will use the acronym interchangeably with the word thesis or dissertation.
ETD Committee, ETD Review Team, and Office of Research Integrity Roles
Your ETD committee chair, also known as your ETD advisor, will guide and advise you as your complete your manuscript. The members of your ETD committee complement your committee chair in advising you while you prepare your ETD and in reviewing the final ETD using the norms of your discipline.
Once your committee has approved your ETD, you will submit a final, copy-edited, publication-ready version to the university for publication. It will then undergo a review for style and formatting errors by the ETD Review Team before being accepted for publication. An ETD must pass review before a student can graduate.
Each ETD must also include a letter from the Office of Research Integrity that documents institutional review board (IRB) approval or states that no approval is needed. You must receive this letter before beginning research on your ETD project. The letter will be included as Appendix of your finished ETD document.