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Thesis & Dissertation Assistance
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The dissertation topic is usually developed as a process of identifying personal/professional interests while doing research as part of course work, working on projects, attending professional meetings, etc. During this phase, faculty can be identified who could serve as dissertation chair and dissertation committee members.
Begin preparing materials by using the publication format required by the academic department or school. Early in the process, students are encouraged to contact the Dissertation Examiner in the Graduate School with questions or informal consultations regarding format/presentation. Obtain the "Guide for Writers of Doctoral Dissertations" from your department/school or the Graduate School. The Guide (excluding sample pages) is also available on this Web site.
To determine the time needed to complete the dissertation, refer to the Graduate School "Important Dates and Deadlines" available in your department/school, the Graduate School, or on this Web site. With advisor assistance, you can estimate the dates for completing the various stages of the dissertation. The deadlines for the Plan of Study, Dissertation Proposal Approval, Format Check, Oral Defense, and Dissertation Filing are indicated.
Consider as a dissertation chair someone whose interest is compatible with your interest/dissertation topic and who is a full member of the graduate faculty. It is recommended that you work with the chair in selecting committee members from among the graduate faculty according to departmental/school and university guidelines.
Proposals for research involving living human subjects, living animals, or biosafety issues require review and approval by the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), respectively.
To begin the process (no later than early in the semester prior to anticipated degree completion) submit your proposal to your department/school IRB/IACUC/IBC representative. Upon final approval by the university you will receive a protocol number.
For additional information, contact Academic Research Services at
309-438-8451.
A proposal meeting to present your topic to your dissertation committee is established with the assistance of the dissertation chair. The "Proposal Approval Form" with all necessary signatures and IRB/IACUC/IBC information is completed and forwarded to the Graduate School. Refer to the Graduate School "Important Dates and Deadlines" for proposal due dates.
Following the deadlines for the Graduate School "Important Dates and Deadlines", submit a draft copy for formal format check with the Graduate School Dissertation Examiner at least 10 days before the oral defense dates*. About three (3) working days are needed for the review after which time the student meets with the Dissertation Examiner to review the findings regarding format, copyright, IRB/IACUC/IBC components.
*(Some departments/schools require longer time periods. Check with your academic office.)
Following the format check and any requested changes, the Dissertation Examiner will issue a "Right to Defend" form (permission to proceed with the oral defense) and a packet of forms, survey's and questionnaires. There should be confirmation of the Right to Defend at least seven (7) days in advance of the scheduled oral defense. The academic department/school are to be provided with one or two paper copies of your dissertation for review by interested persons. Schedule/Confirm the oral defense with essential department/school personnel.
Upon successful completion of your defense, your dissertation committee chair will sign the "Right to Defend" form. Your committee will sign the dissertation signature pages and "Orals" sheet to confirm acceptance of the dissertation.
Complete corrections required by committee members and by Dissertation Examiner. Submit final copies by the Final Filing Date listed in the Graduate School "Important Dates and Deadlines." Submit two final paper copies of the dissertation, the "Right to Defend" form, and other necessary forms, e.g., surveys and questionnaires to the Dissertation Examiner.
There must be continuous registration from the time of proposal approval until degree completion. During the period of time in which you complete the degree, there must be registration for some type of credit hour(s), e.g., a course, dissertation hours, or dissertation audit hours. Contact the Graduate School to register for dissertation audit hours and for more information regarding continuous registration.
If the dissertation is deposited according to the deadlines, degree completion is posted for that semester, and the student is eligible to participate in the Commencement for that semester. Those completing their degrees in August are eligible to participate in the December Commencement.
If the deadlines cannot be met, and the dissertation completion is postponed, degree completion would be for the following semester/term. Work closely with the Dissertation Examiner and the Graduate School staff regarding these dates.
