Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the visual quality of the dissertation be affected?
A: No. The conversion to PDF format should not affect the quality of the orginal document (if converted properly).
Q: <student> Can I use the ETD mechanism to submit electronic version to my adviser?
A: No, this is not supported through the UNC-ETD system at this time. You can use existing electronic communication channels (email, or putting on web page, etc), as well as printing a copy.
Q: <professor> Can my students still give me a draft on paper?
A: Yes, they would just print out a hardcopy from the electronic version.
Q: What formats are accepted?
A: PDF is the only accepted format for the main (text) portion of the dissertation. Note, there are converters to PDF format at UNC (see web pages) as well as on the ProQuest submission page. In addition to the main text portion of the dissertation, additional digital files may be attached including audio, video, pictures, etc. See the ProQuest web pages for current status of what electronic formats are accepted as part of the submission.
Q: How do I get my document into PDF format?
A: Use one of the many converters available on campus, through your department, or via Proquest's submission form.
Q: Is there a template I can start with that will help me produce the format required by the graduate school?
A: Yes, there is a Word template. We would welcome contributions of other templates (Tex, etc).
Q: I do not want my dissertation publicly available right away because of patent concerns, or similar publication. Can I control this?
A: You can request an embargo period, during which your dissertation will not be made available. A written justification must be provided.
Q: <professor> Will having support for multimedia dissertations increase the demand for them by students?
A: We think this would be a good thing, to better support the types of media used by students in their dissertations. There is not enough experience at this time to know whether this demand will increase.
Q: <dept> Will we still get a printed copy?
A: Yes, you can. Printed copy(ies) can optionally be ordered by the student during the submission process (the Library and Graduate School no longer charge for, or provide copies).
Q: <student> Can I order extra copies for myself?
A: Yes. Printed copy(ies) can optionally be ordered for an additional charge during the submission process.
Q: <student> Are signatures required on the title page?
A: No. Submit your title page electronically with the rest of the document. The signatures are submitted separately as part of the prospectus by the department.