We implemented e-thesis submission in early 2008 and it became mandatory in October 2008.
We got academic buy in to get support for mandatory submission by pointing out that it:
- Raised the research profile and therefore funding.
- Was in the best interest of the student and university.
- That significant amounts of research material was being lost since many students had left the university before submitting their thesis.
- Submission was actually easier and cheaper in e-format since there was no need to provide multiple, expensive, printed copies, e.g. an international student might not have time to organise printed copies before their visa ran out but could still submit an e-version via email.
However, the number of submissions remained at a trickle until Registry integrated thesis submission into the award and conferment process.
- Degree certificate will not be issued nor will attendance at graduation ceremonies be allowed unless they receive confirmation from the Library that the thesis has been submitted.
- We have trebled submissions within the last year and now have a significantly higher percentage of total graduates submitting their theses.
We also have to reassure academics and students that it doesn't prevent publishing the material and our Registrar is usually quite happy to have us keep a thesis confidential for a certain period of time in those circumstances. The thesis must still be submitted to the library we just don't allow it into the public domain for the period of confidentiality.
Regards, Jo
Jo-Ann Nash
Customer Services
Library
Brunel University
Kingston Lane
Uxbridge
UB8 3PH
01895 266176
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-----Original Message-----
From: UK discussion list for electronic theses and dissertations [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Joanne Marsh
Sent: 15 March 2011 15:08
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Complete Electronic Submission for PhD
Dear All,
A question has recently been raised within my institution about moving to complete electronic submission for all theses. I wondered if any other institution has already done this and what the issues surrounding this were and how they were dealt with.
Many thanks for any help with this query,
Joanne Marsh
Repository Officer
Coventry University
Tel: 024 7688 7530
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