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Faculty Services: Theses

Per the Faculty Code, submission of theses or project reports is required for a student to receive honors. Honors thesis students are only required to submit a digital copy of the thesis. Students who choose to allow worldwide (open) access to their thesis may elect to also deposit a paper copy of their thesis that will be bound and shelved in the Allen Reading Room and can circulate on campus and through Interlibrary Loan. Students who have completed an honors project are required to deposit a report on that project. For faculty, key points include the following:

Where can I find thesis submission guidelines?

Here you can find Complete guidelines on formatting and submission.

When is the deadline?

Both digital and (where relevant) print theses are due in the library no later than Reading Day. Digitally signed certificates of approval and non exclusive distribution licenses also must be turned in no later than this date.

How do students submit digital copies?

Students will attach a digital copy of their thesis (in PDF/A format for long-term storage and preservation by the library) to the thesis submission form. Students may find instructions via the library website for formatting and submitting their theses as PDF/A.

Where are theses submitted?

For those students who choose to make their digital theses available worldwide and want to make a print copy available in the library, print copies are to be turned in to the Penrose Library Administrative Assistant. Permissions (license) forms are now sent to student authors and thesis advisors for electronic signing via SignRequest.

What do I need to sign?

Faculty advisors must sign the certificate of approval form electronically via SignRequest. In addition to submitting their PDF/A thesis, honors thesis students and faculty advisors must sign a Non-Exclusive Distribution License. On this form, students and faculty must indicate whether they would like the thesis to be accessible via the Internet and Interlibrary Loan to users unaffiliated with Whitman, or to limit access to Whitman affiliated patrons (students, faculty and staff). This form also allows a hold (or embargo period) to be placed on access to the thesis if the author(s) or advisors plan to publish or seek a patent based on work in the thesis. It is a good idea to begin conversations about the level of access that will be assigned to the thesis.

Granting the College (and the Library) the right to provide electronic access to the thesis does not transfer copyright; the student author(s) retain the rights to their work.

How can students learn more?

The library will offering a workshop for students on these submission guidelines. Times and locations will be announced through the library website.

Who do I contact with questions?

Amy Blau, Scholarly Communications Librarian (509-527-5905)

Emily Pearson, Instruction Coordinator and Outreach Librarian (509-527-5918)

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