Thesis, dissertation & Culminating Projects
Below you will find important information that will assist you with deadlines, formatting,
forms, and submission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
the Graduate School:
Deadlines
For December Graduation:
October 1: Deadline to apply for graduation through Ramportal
November 1: Doctoral candidates confirm project title for commencement program
Students must submit both their signature page and the final document to Digital Commons by the end of the semester for degree conferral.
For May Graduation:
February 1: Deadline to apply for graduation through RamPortal
March 6: Doctoral candidates confirm project title for commencement program
Students must submit both their signature page and the final document to Digital Commons by the end of the semester for degree conferral.
For August Graduation:
June 1: Deadline to apply for graduation through Ramportal
Students must submit both their signature page and the final document to Digital Commons by the end of the semester for degree conferral.
Forms and Templates
WCU Manual for Culminating Graduate Research
Intent to Submit Form - The Graduate School requires all students who are working on a thesis, dissertation, or doctoral culminating project to complete this form to register their project as soon as possible, but no later than the first day of their planned graduation semester.
Style and Formatting Information:
Formatting Powerpoint Presentation
Preliminary Page Template:
Thesis & Doctoral Project Preliminary Pages Template
Approval Pages Information and Templates:
Masters Thesis Approval Pages Instructions and Templates
DPA Approval Page Instructions and Template
DNP Approval Page Instructions and Template
EdD Approval Page Instructions and Template
PsyD Approval Page Instructions and Template
Submission
Students must submit their approved thesis, dissertation or doctoral culminating project document, along with their signature page, to Digital Commons by the end of the semester in which they have applied to graduate. Please follow the instructions in this publication guide:
Thesis, Dissertation and Final Project Publication Information
Questions should be directed to
thesisdoc@wcupa.edu
Binding
West Chester University’s library no longer offers binding services.
Due to current limitations, bindery services must be completed directly with the Acme Binding Company. Click on “Thesis & Dissertation Binding” from the list on their web page to make your personal selections and for further instruction. They will ship the completed product to your home address. It is highly suggested to contact Acme Binding first before you begin an order to make sure they are operating normally. WCU related questions can be directed to Library Resource Services:
librs@wcupa.eduNote, thesis/doctoral culminating projects should not be sent for binding until they have been through the submission process, and you have received a confirmation email that your project has been accepted by the Graduate Dean.
Special thanks to Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s School of Graduate Studies and Research for allowing us to modify portions of their thesis/doctoral materials for our use.