FAQs
When can I expect to get my format review revisions?
Turnaround time depends on the time during the semester when you submit your document for initial review. As a general rule, the closer document submission is to the semester deadlines, the longer it will take for your review to be completed due to the increased volume of documents received. Regardless, your document will be reviewed as quickly as possible and you will be notified of the results by email.
How long do people typically have to make revisions?
Format revisions can be made after the defense, along with any changes recommended by the committee.
I am from out of town, and I'm concerned about how to go through the format review process long-distance. Can you offer any advice?
Documents should be uploaded in the students iPOS and then once approved, uploaded to ProQuest. Please note that the students' defense must be scheduled prior to format submission and that the document must be submitted at least ten business days prior to the scheduled defense (10 Working Day Calendar). Students’ final defense results or ‘Final Pass’ are electronically entered by the committee chair in the iPOS. This indicates that the defense committee has given final approval of the thesis/dissertation. Students can see the status of their document and their defense through their MyASU account.
Would it be possible for me to meet with a format advisor to have my document checked for any changes that need to be made before I submit for format review?
We cannot conduct a review before you submit your document and schedule your defense. We encourage all students to use the ASU Format Wizard to build the shell, page margins, and preliminary matter of their document. For specific information please consult the ASU Graduate College Format Manual or the standard formatting requirements.
If I am still in the process of revising the text, am I able to submit my work for a format review? In other words, does the document need to be completely finished before I give it to you?
Your document must be completed before you submit it for format review. However, it is likely that your committee will suggest revisions that may require the inclusion of additional material. As such, you may make changes to your document after initial format review, as suggested by your committee.
Title page
Could you clarify which dates belong on the Title Page?
The center of your Title Page should list the month and year of your defense. The bottom of your Title Page should have the month and year of your graduation (December, May, or August), and should be located just above the 1-inch margin.
Abstract
My abstract is 482 words. The Format Manual says 350 words maximum. Is this mandatory?
Yes! If an abstract is longer than 350 words, potential readers may only be able to read up to that point. For more information on writing your abstract, see the ASU Graduate College Format Manual.
Main text
My document includes photographs for which I have obtained permission to use. Where in the document do I include this statement of permission?
Documents that make use of copyrighted material or research involving human or animal subjects must include a statement indicating that the publisher or appropriate university body has approved the use of material or research. You should include any approval documents in an appendix and follow the formatting as expressed in the ASU Graduate College Format Manual.
References, footers and endnotes
What do I do about direct quotes from an online journal? Since there are no page numbers, how do I indicate where the quote came from?
For citing online sources, refer to the style guide you chose to write your document. If your style guide does not have specific instructions, you may also refer to the Columbia Guide to Online Style.
Are there any size requirements for the endnotes?
Endnotes should be the same size as the text. For footnotes, however, the size may be smaller.
Appendices
How do I insert approval documents or other original printed materials in the appendix? Is this done by scanning, or is there another process?
You may scan or photocopy as long as you maintain the 1.25-inch side margins and the 1-inch top and bottom margins. Images may be reduced as necessary to retain the proper margins but must stay legible.
How are tables within appendices numbered-consecutively or numbered within the appendix (e.g., Tables 1-5 in Appendix A, Tables 1-5 in Appendix B)?
Refer to your style guide concerning tables in appendices, or if your style guide does not address this issue, defer to your chair/advisor's recommendation.
Beyond format review: finishing up
What steps need to be completed after my defense?
Once all corrections have been made and approved by your committee, your committee chair will electronically enter your Final Pass in the iPOS. After the Graduate College receives your final defense result and all format revisions have been completed, the student will receive an email approval to proceed to ETD/ProQuest. Make sure to check your email regularly for any additional revision requests after submitting to ProQuest. Be sure to check both your ASU email as well as the email used to register with ProQuest. Please see MyASU for further information, and always check the graduation deadlines and procedures tab.
ETD/ProQuest
How do I order bound copies of my thesis/dissertation?
You may order bound copies of your document through ETD/ProQuest. Alternatively, you may also go to any third party bindery to obtain bound copies if desired. Locating a third party vendor is the responsibility of the student; ASU Graduate College does not endorse outside vendors.
I ordered a copy of my thesis/dissertation through ProQuest. Why haven’t I received it yet?
Unfortunately ASU cannot answer questions regarding the purchase of bound documents. Purchasing questions and comments should be directed to ProQuest’s Support section at www.etdadmin.com/asu
