Question
What are the formatting requirements regarding fonts, margins, headings, page numbering, and spacing?
Answer
- Fonts/Typefaces: Use the font type & size recommended by your selected disciplinary style guide, or follow the guidelines given: one font type or style consistent use in body and headings. Sizes generally 11-pt or 12-pt.
- Margins: One-inch on top and bottom of the page
- Line spacing: Double-spaced for everything except abstract and committee section in title page
- Page numbering: Page number should start on the second page (often the abstract page) and that page number should be numbered : 2. Placement should be top right header.
- Headings and subheadings: Ensure headings and sub headings are formatted correctly and in the correct position on the page as per the choosen style guide.
- For more information you can visit this website and click on Electronic Document Formatting.
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/culminating-projects/completion-and-submission-directions.aspx
Question
What information do I need to have ready when I upload to the Repository ?
Answer
You’ll need:
- Title of your project.
- Your full name as author.
- Date of award (i.e., the graduation date).
- Type of project (thesis, dissertation, starred paper, creative work, Plan C Paper)
- Degree name (program name, e.g. “Education Administration and Leadership: MS”).
- Department
- First advisor; any second or third advisors.
- Abstract (for theses/dissertations). If you are doing a starred paper or creative work, a description instead.
- Keywords (up to six), subject headings.
- Creative Commons license selection
- You can also check this link and go to uploading your project for more information : https://www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/culminating-projects/completion-and-submission-directions.aspx
Question
Can I embargo (restrict public access to) my culminating project, and how do I request that?
Answer
- Yes. An embargo is a period that denies public access to your project in the Repository. This may be appropriate for selected projects.
- You can only request an embargo with prior approval from Graduate Studies.
- The Graduate School has an official embargo policy and a request process you must follow.
📄 Embargo Request Policy (PDF): St. Cloud State Graduate Studies – Embargo Policy Embargo request process (PDF)
Question
What style guide should I use for my thesis, dissertation, creative work, or starred paper?
Answer
You pick a style guide with your adviser and decide which disciplinary style guide to use (APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, etc.). Whatever you choose must be used consistently throughout the document.
Question
What are the deadlines I must meet to have my degree conferred in a given term?
Answer
- The School of Graduate Studies processes graduations three times per year.
- You must meet the posted deadlines for the term in which you want your graduation date; if you miss them, you'll need to apply for the next available date.
- Also, you must be enrolled in at least 1 credit during the term that you graduate.
Question
What are my responsibilities (as a student) in terms of formatting, final revisions, and committee approvals?
Answer
- Submit your fully formatted draft to your committee at least two weeks before your final defense, for committee review.
- Make sure your document meets all formatting requirements: style guide, margins, headings, tables/figures etc. Include title page, abstract (where required), TOC, list of tables/figures, appendices, etc.
- Ensure content is free from plagiarism, citations accurate and congruent with references.
After committee approvals and revisions, upload your final approved version to the Repository.