Thesis Guidelines and Binding Information
As a candidate for a master's degree, your department may require a thesis representing original research that contributes to your discipline. You must provide two copies of your thesis to be made available in the Drake Memorial Library. This includes one archival copy that will not leave the library and one circulating copy that can be checked out by the campus community or the public at large.
In addition, your department may require one or more copies of your thesis to keep on file. Therefore, it is essential that you conform to the established guidelines and construct a well-presented thesis.
You should also seek the guidance of your advisor and the other members of your thesis committee throughout the entire process. Choice of citation and bibliographical style will vary by discipline, but the format of every thesis should be consistent with the established guidelines.
Information on thesis type size, font, margins and print is listed as follows:
- Use high-quality 25 or 100 percent cotton bond paper. This paper must be white, unlined and the standard 8-1/2" by 11" size
- Use a 10 or 12-point standard font such as Times New Roman, Helvetica, Geneva, Courier or Palatino
- To facilitate binding , the left margin must be 1-1/2". The remaining margins should be 1-1/4"
To view the entire document, which includes parts of the thesis and physical format, refer to Guidelines for Master's Thesis Preparation.
For more information, or specific questions, please contact Becky Cousins at (585) 395-5811.
To search for theses follow this link: Help: Find Theses.
Library Policies for Binding of Theses, etc.
The library requires two copies of a thesis, the original with the approval pages signed in original ink for the archives and a photocopy for the main collection. The library does not pay for the photocopying of the second copy. Students may submit personal copies to be bound for themselves. Departments may also require copies.
The library pays for the binding of the two library copies. Either the student or department pays for the binding of personal or departmental copies. Refer to Thesis Binding Payment Table.
The title and author of the work will appear on the front cover and spine of the thesis. The cover and lettering colors for bound copies are listed as follows:
- Library copies: cover must be green with gold lettering
- Department copies: cover must be green with gold lettering
- Personal copies: cover may be any color (according to color swatches available at processing desk in cataloging department) with either black, white, or gold lettering
The library will accept and archive theses only, not honors papers, undergraduate honors thesis, major projects, etc. The library will, however, bind the above stated items at the student's expense. Refer to Binding Costs Table.
A check or money order must be made out to HF Group to enclose with the order. There is a two-week waiting period for items to be returned from the bindery. Items may be picked up at Drake Memorial Library (Cataloging Department) upon return from the bindery.
Items to be bound are shipped to the Bindery on alternating Fridays. Items arrive back at the library two weeks after shipment. Please note that holidays may affect the shipping schedule.
Thesis Payment Table
| Department | Payment |
|---|---|
| Biology | Will pay for 3 copies. (1 advisor, 1 dept., 1 student) |
| Dance | Will pay for 2 copies. (1 dept., 1 student) |
| Education & Human Development | Requires student to pay for advisor's copy, if requested. |
| English | Will pay for the departmental copy only. |
| Health | Requires 2 copies at the student's expense. (1 advisor, 1 dept.) |
| Physical Education | Requires a departmenal copy at the student's expense. |
Binding Costs Table
| Item | Student Cost per Item | Library / Departmental Invoiced Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis | $25.00 | $7.50 |
| Honors Paper | $25.00 | $7.50 |
| Major Project | $25.00 | $7.50 |
| Book | N/A | $6.00 |
| Journal | N/A | $8.00 |
