麻豆传媒

Step 1: Send Your Final Draft

• Follow all steps of the Pre-Submission Checklist. 
• E-mail the final, defended version of your thesis or dissertation as a PDF to gradreviewer@valdosta.edu using naming conventions in the Pre-Submission Checklist.
• All dissertations must follow APA 7th edition. 
• Send any questions in a separate e-mail (do not attach them to your submission).

Important: If your document is submitted after the deadline or edits are not finished by the end of the semester, your graduation will be postponed to the next term.

Step 2: Include the Signature Page

• A signed signature page (with all committee members’ signatures in black or blue ink OR electronic signature) must be included.
• Do not add dates next to the signatures; only include the defense date at the bottom of the page.
• You may submit the signature page separately with your first draft, but the final version must include the Associate Provost’s signature before uploading to ProQuest and V-Text, or binding (binding is optional).
• Submit the original for the Associate Provost’s signature via email, campus mail, or DocuSign.

Step 3: Add Your Contact Information

• In your email submission, include your name, phone number, and 麻豆传媒 email address in case follow-up is needed.

Step 4: Wait for the Graduate School Review

• The Graduate School reviews for format and compliance only (not content).
• Reviews take about 3–4 weeks, longer at peak times (e.g., near deadlines).
• Submissions are reviewed in the order received—submit early if possible.
• Do not make additional changes unless instructed by the reviewer.

Step 5: Insert the Final Signature Page

• After your review is complete, the Graduate School will email you the fully signed signature page (with the Associate Provost’s signature).
• Insert this page into your final document before uploading to ProQuest and V-Text OR binding (binding is optional).

Step 6: Upload to ProQuest and V-Text

• Submit your final document through ProQuest. This process automatically deposits your thesis/dissertation in V-Text (麻豆传媒’s repository).
• Follow the printable guidelines for step-by-step help.

Step 7: Optional – Order Bound Copies

Binding is not required, but many students order copies for themselves, family, or faculty. Options include:

•  - upload a PDF file to order printed/bound copies.
• ProQuest - purchase a bound copy when you upload or at a later date (
• Other commercial binding companies of your choice.

   

All graduate students must complete the forms that apply to their program. Please read carefully to ensure you submit the correct forms on time.

For Master’s and Education Specialist Students

• Thesis Committee Appointment Form (PDF)—Submit to the Graduate School at least 3 semesters before graduation.
• Thesis Defense Notification Form—Submit prior to your scheduled thesis defense.
• Thesis Signature Page Template—Download and use this template to prepare the required signature page for your thesis.

For Doctoral Students

• Admission to Candidacy Form—Confirms successful completion of program milestones.
• Dissertation Committee Appointment Form—Submit after your committee has been confirmed.
• Dissertation Proposal Approval Form—Must include a copy of IRB exemption or approval.
• Dissertation Defense Notification—Submit prior to your scheduled defense.
• Final Approval of Dissertation Form—Submitted after your dissertation has been successfully defended and approved.
• Dissertation Signature Page Template—Download and use this template to prepare the required signature page for your dissertation.

Getting the formatting right is an important part of the thesis and dissertation process, but you don't have to start from scratch.

We encourage you to download and use the provided templates. These templates are designed to meet Graduate School requirements and will save you time and frustration when putting your document together.

 

Available Templates

• Dissertation Template (Qualitative)
• Dissertation Template (Quantitative)
• Thesis Template (Qualitative)
• Thesis Template (Quantitative)

Signature Page Templates

A sample signature page is already included in the above templates; however, if you need only the signature page, you may download it separately here:

• Dissertation Signature Page Sample
• Thesis Signature Page Sample

Procedural Checklist for Completing a Thesis or Dissertation

For full details, visit the Procedural Checklist Website or download the Printable Procedural Checklist (PDF).

While every program has its own specific requirements (consult your advisor for details), these are the general steps for all students:

1. Register for thesis or dissertation hours.
2. Develop a tentative proposal.
3. Select your committee - Attention: Committee members must hold graduate faculty status. Check the .
4. Submit the Thesis or Dissertation Committee Appointment form at least 3 semesters before graduating.
5. Prepare a draft of your proposal and obtain committee approval.
   • Secure IRB or IACUC Approval/Exemption.
   • Doctoral students only: Submit the Dissertation Proposal Approval Form (must include IRB/IACUC approval if applicable.
6. Begin research and writing. 
7. Apply for graduation at least 2 semesters before your intended graduation date.
8. Schedule your defense.
   • Submit the Thesis or Dissertation Defense Notification Form to the Graduate School.
9. Defend your thesis or dissertation.
   • Make committee-required edits (if any).
10. Submit the approved final draft and signed signature page to the Graduate School by the published semester deadline following the Pre-Submission Checklist.
11. Submit your approved thesis or dissertation to V-Text and Proquest (see Printable Guidelines).
12. Commencement!
    • Order regalia (hood, cap/tam, gown) for .
    • Celebrate with family and friends at commencement!

Checklist: Required Components & Order

Every thesis or dissertation must follow the required page order below. Use the official templates under Formatting & Templates to make sure your document meets Graduate School standards.

Required Page Order 

(Items with an asterisk (*) are optional.)

1. Title Page
2. Copyright Page
3. Signature Page
4. Fair Use and Duplication Release Form
5. Abstract
6. Table of Contents
7. List of Figures or Illustrations
8. List of Tables
9. Preface*
10. Acknowledgments*
11. Dedication*
12. Body of Text and Nontext Elements 
13. Endnotes/Footnotes/Text References
14. Bibliography/Reference List
15. Appendix/Appendices (if applicable)

TIP: Using the downloadable templates will automatically place these components in the correct order and formatting. See the Formatting & Templates section for links and sample pages. Many forms are in PDF format. You may need to update your PDF software to view it.

ATTENTION: WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Please reach out to your committee for the most up-to-date resources for your program.

Below you will find handbooks and program-specific resources designed to guide you through your doctoral journey. Each handbook outlines program requirements, policies, and best practices to help you stay on track from admission through graduation. Please select the appropriate resource for your program:

• EDD Handbook
• EDD & SLPD Doctoral Program Resources
• DNP Handbook
• DPA Program Resources 

How to Identify Potential Committee Members

Your dissertation committee plays a key role in guiding your research, reviewing your work, and supporting you through the defense process. You’ll identify potential committee members through your department and professional relationships. Use the following guidelines to help you assemble the right team:

1. Start with Your Major Professor

Your major professor (chair) is your primary advisor and the first person to consult. They can help you:

• Identify faculty members whose expertise aligns with your research topic.
• Understand any departmental expectations for committee composition.
• Avoid potential conflicts (such as faculty who are over their committee limit).

2. Review Faculty Expertise and Research Interests

Look at your department’s website or faculty profiles to see who studies or teaches in areas related to your topic. Ideal committee members are those who can:

• Provide methodological or theoretical insight.
• Offer a different disciplinary or professional perspective.
• Support the rigor and scope of your research.

3. Consider Committee Composition Requirements

• Thesis committees typically include three members — your chair and at least one other from your program area. One may be from outside your department.
• Dissertation committees generally include three to five members, with similar guidelines for including at least one faculty member from outside your program’s department or college.

All members must hold Graduate Faculty status or receive temporary approval from the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and Research.

4. Discuss Expectations Early

Before finalizing your committee, meet with each potential member to discuss:

• Their availability and preferred communication style.
• How they typically provide feedback.
• Any specific expectations for draft submissions or revisions.

5. Confirm and Submit Your Committee Form

Once your committee is confirmed, complete and submit the Thesis or Dissertation Committee Appointment Form (via DocuSign or hard copy). Be sure to allow time for all members to review and sign before submitting it to the Graduate School.

Important: All committee members must hold graduate faculty status. Be sure to consult the Graduate Faculty Lists, which is also referenced in Step #3 of the Procedural Checklist when selecting your committee.

Looking for support with papers, comprehensive exams, theses, or dissertations? Check out this web page for helpful guides, tips, and fun links tailored for graduate students. 

On-Campus Support

Graduate student writing tutors are available through the Academic Support Center. Schedule an appointment by calling 229-333-7570 or visiting the Academic Support Center website.

 

Tip: Using on-campus resources can help you refine your writing and meet Graduate School standards with confidence.