UCI Theses and Dissertations Manual - 7.5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Access to University Archives1. Where are you located?
Room 525 of UCI's Langson Library. Take the north elevators (near the Loan Desk) to the 5th floor and enter the door to the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room.
2. When are you open?
During the academic quarter we are open 11:00-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. During summer and intersessions we are open 1:00-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. We are closed on all University holidays. More information on hours and our location is available here.
3. Do I need an appointment?
No, not if you come in during our open hours. However, if the only time you can come in is before 11 a.m. Monday-Friday, you must call ahead to make an appointment.
4. What are the formatting requirements for my thesis/dissertation?
Follow the instructions in the UCI Thesis and Dissertation Manual, located on the Web at http://special.lib.uci.edu/dissertations/electronic/tdmanuale.html. Please note that the Manual will answer most, if not all, the questions you may have about formatting your thesis/dissertation.
5. Can I use a manual from another UC?
No, you must use UCI's manual.
6. Can I use an old version of UCI's manual?
No, you must use the current Manual. Policies and procedures change over time.
7. How do I determine the correct name of my degree?
The degrees awarded by UCI are listed in the latest UCI General Catalogue, as well as in the Manual. Use the exact wording specified for your degree. Note that the name of your degree may not match the name of your department.
8. What are the margin requirements?
1" from the top, left, right, and bottom edges of the page. You must adhere to these margin requirements, which are established to allow binding and/or microfilming of your T/D without loss of information. Be sure to measure each section with a ruler; don't rely on the margins setting of your word processing software without verifying the results on a printout.
9. What is the correct spacing of the preliminary pages? How many blank lines should I use between sections?
Consult the samples at the end of the Manual. Although there is no strict spacing requirement for most of these pages, the end result should generally look like the samples. Note that the margin requirements also pertain to the preliminary pages.
10. Where can I get help creating a PDF version of my manuscript?
The ETD submission site provides help for converting your manuscript to PDF.
11. What are the submission deadlines for upcoming academic quarters?
Available at http://www.grad.uci.edu/academics/filing%20deadlines/index.html.
*Dates are subject to change.
12. Is it possible to obtain an extension to the submission deadline?
The University Archives is not able to approve extensions.
13. What is the final day to turn in my thesis/dissertation without paying fees for the following quarter?
The "drop-dead" deadline changes from quarter to quarter; sometimes it is only a few days after the initial submission deadline, other times it is as much as several weeks later. In general, the "drop-dead" deadline falls on the day before the official start of the following quarter. Note that for any manuscript submitted after the initial submission deadline, the degree is awarded for the following academic quarter. It therefore is not necessary to obtain an extension in order to submit by this date.
14. Is a critique of my thesis/dissertation required prior to bringing the full manuscript in for submission?
No, but it is strongly advisable, or you may find yourself in the position of having to go back and revise portions of your thesis/dissertation when you come in to submit the final manuscript.
15. Do I need to bring a complete copy of my thesis/dissertation if I come in for a critique?
No, but you should at least bring the preliminary pages and a chapter or two, plus any figures or tables about which you may have questions. These samples may be on any type of paper.
16. How long does a critique or a submission take?
Usually no more than 10 minutes, depending on your questions and how carefully you have followed the Manual.
17. Do I have to pay any fees when I submit my thesis/dissertation?
No fees are required for Ph.D. submissions, but if you are including a form authorizing ProQuest Information and Learning Company to apply for registration of your copyright, you must include the fee specified on that form (currently $65.00) in the form of a money order or certified check payable to PQIL. If you are ordering copies of your manuscript through UMI, you must include a money order, certified check, or credit card information. If you submit electronically you can pay these fees online using your credit card.
Master’s students must bring their Master’s Thesis/Signature page to the Cashier’s Office (228 Aldrich Hall) top pay the $55 Master’s Thesis Submission Fee. The cashier will stamp the form to indicate receipt of payment. Your final degree paperwork will not be accepted unless the Master’s Thesis/Signature page has the Cashier’s payment stamp.
18. Where do I obtain the necessary forms to accompany my thesis/dissertation?
The forms for a master's thesis are online in section 5.2 of the manual. The forms for a doctor dissertation are online in section 5.3 of the manual.
19. How can I get bound copies of my thesis/dissertation for my department or myself?
For Ph.D. dissertations, you may order copies from ProQuest Information and Learning Company at a reduced rate available only at the time of initial publication. The order form is included in your UMI forms packet.
You can locate binders by looking in the local yellow pages or online, e.g. Yahoo business directory.