Frequently Asked Questions about Submitting or Binding Doctoral Dissertations and Masters Theses (University City Campus)

 Who checks the format of my dissertation/thesis?

Your advisor will check the format of your dissertation/thesis.  All references in the Thesis Manual to "Thesis Format Reviewer" should read "your advisor".

 Why do I need 100% cotton paper for one of my copies?

100% cotton paper is an acid-free paper of archival quality.  This copy will be stored in the University Archives.

 Where can I buy 100% cotton paper?

Photocopy shops, office supply stores, many bookstores, etc.  If you're having a copy shop reproduce your paper, just tell them what you need.

 What kind of paper can I choose for the other copies?

If you choose to have personal copies bound, you can use any kind of paper, though we recommend plain white paper for readability.

Why are two copies required?

The 100% cotton paper copy is stored in our permanent University Archives; another copy goes to your advisor.  For Master's theses, the third copy can be submitted as a PDF file (with any other appropriate files/images) on CD for our institutional repository, iDEA, or can be a third print copy that will circulate from the library.

When will I receive my bound copies?  How will I know they're back?

Any optional, personal bound copies will come back to the library within 2 to 4 weeks after you submit them.  We'll email you when they come in; let us know if you will no longer be in the area and we'll make other arrangements to get them to you.

How will the advisor's copy get to my advisor?

We will email your advisor when his/her copy comes in.  We make arrangements directly with advisors.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, the library accepts Visa and MasterCard.

Can I pay with a DragonCard funds?

Yes, the library accepts DragonCard funds.

Where can I get a money order?  cashier's check?  certified check?

• You can get a money order from any US Post Office, from some check-cashing places, and from some stores like 7-11.  No matter where you go, they'll ask you to pay a small fee. 
• Your bank can provide a cashier's check or certified check.

(Doctoral candidates): Why can't I write a personal check to PQIL?

Unfortunately PQIL does not accept personal checks; it's simply their policy.

(Doctoral candidates): Why do I need to submit an electronic copy of my doctoral dissertation?

The Faculty Senate approved this requirement in 2003 for doctoral students.  The Drexel University Libraries maintain an institutional repository, iDEA, where Drexel scholarship, including our dissertations, are organized and made available to the international scholar community.

(Doctoral candidates): I plan to patent my research or go into business with it.  How do I prevent competitors from accessing my research while I get started?

The Library intends to make your research as widely available to the international scholarly community as possible. If you are uncomfortable having your research made freely available on the Internet, you may "opt out" of the Electronic Theses and Dissertations program by contacting the University Archivist.

(Doctoral candidates): What kinds of file formats can I link to from the electronic copy of my dissertation (PDF)?  Are there any other specifications?

• Only the following formats will be accepted for linked files: .gif, .jpeg, .tif (for images); .mov, .avi, .mpg (for video); .midi, .snd, .wav (for audio); .html and .doc are also acceptable.  
• No compression or password protection should be employed. 
• You  may include internal or external hyperlinks.
• If you are linking to a specific file (as opposed to a website), you must include that file(s) along with your dissertation on the CD. 
• Remember, the appearance of your dissertation or thesis online is your responsibility. Be sure to examine the PDF version of your thesis or dissertation and check it for completeness and fidelity to the print version.