Frequently Asked Questions

Does the College of Education deposit my manuscript to the Graduate College for me?

No, the College will not deposit for you at the Graduate College. The Graduate College offers an electronic deposit option. Visit www.grad.illinois.edu/submit-etd to create a submission profile and submit your ETD (i.e., Electronic Thesis or Dissertation Deposit).

Will the College of Education format my manuscript for me?

We are unable to format a thesis or dissertation for any student--performing this duty is considered unethnical and therefore it is against University policy. If you need assistance formatting your manuscript, you may contact a freelance formatter who might be able to assist you for a fee. Contact your advisor or program administrative support staff or a list of freelance formatters.

What formatting styles are acceptable?

The APA (i.e., American Psychological Association) formatting style is widely used at the College of Education. Other formatting styles used are Chicago, Turabian, and MLA. Overall differences to be aware of involve the first page of each section, footnote formatting, and how the reference page is referred. Basic formatting elements will be the same regardless of the style used, such as title page, margins, and page numbering. Check out the Graduate College's basic formatting requirements. If you have specific questions, please your advisor or program administrative support staff.

My line spacing is too wide and no matter what I do, Microsoft Word won't change my text to double spacing. Do you know how to fix this problem?

This is a problem we see in manuscript's from students using a version of the software that is for the Asian market. You need to use your home country's version of Microsoft Word and change the margins and spacing to the following:

Margins: left binding edge = 108 points/inch (2.54cm); all other margins = 72 points/inch (2.54cm)

Line spacing = 27 points/inch (2.54cm)

Page numbers must be at least 36 points/inch (2.54cm) from the papers edge

May I have the metric equivalent for the required margin and indentation measurements?

.25 inch = .635 cm	1 inch = 2.54 cm
.5 inch = 1.27 cm	1.5 inch = 3.81 cm	2 inches = 5.08 cm

When does my Assistantship end?

In accordance with Graduate College policy, Assistantships end upon deposit. For more information, see the Graduate College handbook.

Is it true that those using the APA formatting style must place two spaces after the punctuation of each sentence?

On page 88 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.) it is stated, "Spacing twice after punctuation marks at the end of a sentence aids readers of draft manuscripts." If you desire to use two spaces after punctuation ending a sentence in your draft, that is your decision. However, this spacing must be changed for the final deposit of your thesis or dissertation, to using one space after sentence punctuation marks.