Montana State University

The Graduate School - Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ETD FAQ

The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding ETDs.

Formatting Questions: Questions on Forms: Questions on Publishing: Other:
Formatting Questions:
  • How do I get help with Microsoft Word?
    The Graduate School does not provide technical support for MS Word. Options for students include reviewing Microsoft's Training Courses for Word 2007, or a Computer Applications course through the Gallatin College in Bozeman or Extended University. Help on a for-hire basis is available through the Typist/Editor List. Our most frequently asked Word questions are below:

    How do I set margins in Microsoft Word?

    The directions for setting margins in MS Word is here. The margins should be one inch from the page numbers.

    How do I get my page numbers to be accurate in Microsoft Word?

    Step by step directions for page numbering are available here.

    To create a break in the numbering sections do the following:
    At the end of the page before the section that requires a new page numbering sequence complete the following:

    1. Go to the Insert --> click on Break.
    2. Choose the Next Page break under the Section Break types.

    Next, place your cursor in the section that requires a new page numbering sequence and complete the following:

    1. Go to the Insert --> Page Numbers.
    2. Click the Format button.
    3. Choose the number format.
    4. Choose the Start at radio button under Page numbering.
    5. Type in the page number that this section should begin with.

    How do I create a landscape page in the middle of my document?

    A very simple example: If your document consists of pages 1-3 and you would like page 2 to be landscape.

    1. Click on page 1 and insert a section break: Insert-->Break-->Next Page--> OK.
    2. Click on page 2 and change the layout to landscape: File-->Page Setup-->Landscape-->OK
    3. Note the page number is not on page 2. See next question for how to add the page number.
    4. Click on Page 2 and insert another section break. Insert-->Break-->Next Page--> OK.
    5. Click on Page 3 and change layout to Portrait. File-->Page Setup-->Portrait-->OK

    How do I get the page numbers in my landscaped pages to be in the right direction?

    Add a text box (Insert --> Text Box) to the right hand side of the landscaped page. Type the page number in the text box. On the Text Box Toolbar, click the "Change text direction" icon so the page number is in the same position as the portrait pages. Right click on the Text Box. Change the Horizontal Alignment to 'Right'. Click Advanced, change the vertical alignment to Center.

    How do I line up the page numbers in my Table of Contents?

    The easiet way is to set a right justified tab with the "....." as a leader. The Word front matter template has an example.

    1. Choose the Format drop down menu.
    2. Click on Tabs.
    3. Set the "Tab Stop Postion to 6".
    4. Set the "Default tab stops to 0.5".
    5. Choose the "Right" radio button in the alignment section.
    6. Choose the "2......" radio button in the leader section.
    7. Click the "Okay" button.

    This will allow you to type the first line, "Introduction", hit TAB and the page number. The TAB will create the "........" and right justify the page numbers.


  • How do I get help with LaTeX?
    The Graduate School does not provide techincal support for LaTeX. Options for students include contacting your department for a LaTeX expert, reviewing the Helpful Links on our LaTeX Guide, or reviewing comments or asking a question on the MSU LaTeX template created by former MSU student Seth Humphries, PhD.

  • What do triple and double spacing mean?
    Double space = 1 blank line in between text
    Triple space = 2 blank lines in between text.

  • How do I convert my document into pdf?
    Helpful Links:
    Tutorial:Create a PDF using Adobe Acrobat
    Creating PDFs, FAQ
    Embedding Fonts
    Reembedding Fonts in a PDF

Questions on Forms:

  • Why are two copies of the Approval Page required?
    One copy of the Approval Page is included in the pdf version of your ETD. This is page ii and it does not have signatures, it is in electronic form only. Please view other ETDs for an example. Another Approval Page, a hardcopy, is submitted to The Graduate School with original signatures. Once your ETD has been approved, this form with signatures will be sent back to your department. You may use this form in a bound copy if desired.

  • What keywords do I use on the Certificate of Approval form for cataloging my ETD with the MSU Library?
    Please include keywords important to the content of your ETD including words in the Abstract. The entire abstract and title of your ETD is searchable on line, however, keywords will help the library appropriately catalog your ETD.

  • What do the two options on the Certificate of Approval form mean regarding access to my ETD?
    Montana State University gives you two options regarding affording electronic access to your ETD. The Certificate of Approval Form, must be signed by you and your committee when you turn in the your final work:
    1. Freely available worldwide.
    2. Restrict access for a period of a one year, even disallowing access by the University community. This option addresses situations such as when a patents application is planned, or when proprietary interests are at stake.
    You should consider these options carefully. Feel free to ask about MSU Intellectual Property or Legal Counsel for advice, and to discuss this with your advisor. If you intend to work with a publisher regarding journal or book publications, be sure you understand their policies and any agreements you would sign.

  • Doctoral students must consider their options when uploading their dissertation to the UMI website. Please review the Open Access Compared to Traditional Publishing and Embargoes and Restrictions.
Questions on Publishing:
  • What if I want to write a book related to my thesis or dissertation? What do I need to know about signing agreements with publishers?
    Please read more about publishing solutions at www.montana.edu/etd/publisher_issues.html. The University of Cincinnati has developed a database of links to publishers' journal policies called the Academic Journal Policy Database (AJPD). Since publishers vary widely in their policies, it is wise to discuss your plans with publishers to which you are likely to submit your work. Part IV of Proquest Information and Learning "Copyright Law and Graduate Research" explains how to request permission to use copyrighted material and information in graduate research documents

  • What if I want to have a journal article I have published as a chapter in my thesis?
    If you have published an article or articles before you turn in your thesis or dissertation, and you wish credit for that for your graduate requirements, you have a number of options. These should be discussed with your committee, and possibly with your publisher. some of your options may be:
    • Cite that publication in your references.
    • Link to the publication - if it is online.
    • Include the publication in your thesis or dissertation (with a release from the publisher) sample permission letter
    If the publisher restricts access in that release, say to your university, you may want to have 2 versions of your thesis or dissertation--one with and one without the chapter (e.g., published article) in question.

  • What are the options regarding electronic access? Montana State University gives you two options regarding affording electronic access to your ETD. The Certificate of Approval Form, must be signed by you and your committee when you turn in the your final work:
    1. Freely available worldwide.
    2. Restrict access for a period of a one year, even disallowing access by the University community. This option addresses situations such as when a patents application is planned, or when proprietary interests are at stake.
    You should consider these options carefully. Feel free to ask about MSU Intellectual Property or Legal Counsel for advice, and to discuss this with your advisor. If you intend to work with a publisher regarding journal or book publications, be sure you understand their policies and any agreements you would sign.

    Doctoral students must consider their options when uploading their dissertation to the UMI website. Please review the Open Access Compared to Traditional Publishing and Embargoes and Restrictions.

  • How does the ETD project relate to PQIL (UMI)?
    PQIL (UMI) is a corporation in Ann Arbor, Michigan that maintains a microform archive of about 1.5 million dissertations, as well as an online service called Dissertation Abstracts. Most dissertations written in the US are submitted to UMI for archiving on microfilm, from which microform or paper copies can be produced. UMI functions as an on-demand book publisher that eliminates the editorial process. One of the services they offer is to help you regarding copyright and working with publishers. All dissertations at MSU must be submitted to ProQuest (UMI). Before the ETD initiative, students had to fill out paperwork and provide an additional paper copy of their entire dissertation. When you submit a dissertation electronically, you go directly to http://dissertations.umi.com/montana/ upload the electronic version of your dissertation. UMI makes available online electronic versions of all works they have received since 1996. Few masters theses are sent to UMI.

Other:
  • Why is there no paper version required any longer for MSU Libraries?
    When submitting electronically, the University only requires the electronic version of your thesis/dissertation (though your committee and/or department may still want a paper version). MSU libraries commits to electronic archiving of works received, making sure that these will be accessible in the future, regardless of changes in media and standards. By not accepting paper, the University reduces handling and library costs, saves you money, and makes it possible for access to increase. Older bound copies of theses and dissertations are available in the Renne Library Special Collections open 8-5 Mon-Fri. They are also available in the stacks D378. for dissertations, N378. for theses and P378. for professional papers.

  • Where can I find older bound theses and dissertations?
    Older bound copies of theses and dissertations are available in the Renne Library Special Collections open 8-5 Monday -Friday. They are also available in the stacks D378 for dissertations, N378 for theses, and P378 for professional papers.
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