Grad Help: The Thesis/Dissertation Process: Writing, Ethics, Defence, Submission and Academic Integrity
Need Help Finding a Theses/Dissertation
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Finding Theses and Dissertations: University of SaskatchewanTips and tricks to locate theses and dissertations, in both print and electronic format, from the University of Saskatchewan and elsewhere.
Supporting Research
Find out how the University Library can support your research or scholarly work through all stages of the research lifecycle; visit our Research page.
Writing Specialists
Reading, Writing and Studying
Plan Your Thesis/Dissertation
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Dissertation Calculator
Like the Paper Planner above from U of Libraries, the University of Minnesota's Dissertation Calculator gives you an outline of what needs to be done based on the date you start your project and when you want it finished. Some information is specific to the University of Minnesota's graduate programs but most of the information is general enough to be useful no matter where you are doing your graduate work. -
The Assignment Planner (USask)The research paper planner will provide you with resources and helpful tips to guide you through the steps of the research and writing process. To start, simply enter the dates that you plan to work on your paper.
Build Your Thesis/Dissertation
Your thesis/dissertation is much more than the writing that goes into it. You might need ethics approval, you might need to gather empirical data prior to writing. You will need to revise, defend and submit. Below you will find links that deal with these different aspects of the thesis/dissertation project.
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Thesis Preparation: Guidelines for Preparation of a ThesisThis CGSR page has links you will need to read before formatting and styling your thesis. The documents contain rules and regulations, as well as some suggestions, for your thesis document.
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Citation Style GuidesThe library's page with information on the most commonly used citation styles. You will find information on MLA, APA, Chicago, as well as others.
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Manuscript-Style ThesesHere you will find information and guidance on what is required of a manuscript-style thesis.
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University of Saskatchewan Research EthicsWill you need ethics approval? The University of Saskatchewan requires all people doing research on humans, animals, and biohazardous materials to get approval. Here, you will find the guidelines and ethics approval submission forms.
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Guidelines for Ethical Editing of Theses and DissertationsHave you ever wondered how much editing by a secondary person would be too much editing? From the Editors' Association of Canada this is a guideline for ethical editing specifically for theses and dissertations.
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How to Survive a Thesis DefenceTips on your defence.
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Tips for your Thesis DefenceBill Gardner, from the University of Guelph, offers some advice on the thesis defence.
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Preparing for Your Thesis DefenceJames Hayton offers some advice on preparing for a thesis defence.
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ETD (Electronic Theses and Dissertations)Submit your thesis/dissertation to the Library and CGSR here. You will find additional information on things such as formatting requirements.
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5 Strategies for Surviving and Thriving During Your Dissertation ProcessIn this essay Ramon B. Goings discusses his path through the dissertation process and gives five strategies for surviving.
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The Thesis DefenceThis College of Graduate Studies and Research guide helps students prepare for their defence.
Graduate-Level Writing
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Writing Centre TutoringWe recommend the online tutoring system for graduate students as we can better match you to a tutor with the skills and subject matter expertise.
Tutors cannot edit or proofread (i.e., correct the grammar and punctuation) your paper. They can teach you about writing, though, using your work as an example of writing issues you may need to work on. We cannot edit or proofread theses or dissertations. -
Appointment with a TutorBook an appointment with one of our tutors. For graduate students only.
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Graduate Writing WorkshopsWorkshops for graduate students are held throughout the year. Recordings for some workshops are available. Contact writinghelp@usask.ca for more information.
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Graduate Writing Workshop RecordingsPast workshops have been recorded. If you would prefer the slides only, please get in touch! writinghelp@usask.ca
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U Sask Grad Help Online ResourcesHelpful resources for different stages of your graduate studies: procrastination, supervisor relationships, intellectual property rights, the thesis defense and more.
SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR applications
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The Art of Writing a CIHR ApplicationA guide of how to write a funding application for the CIHR from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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Argumentative Moves in SSHRC WritingWorkshop slides on writing SSHRC research proposals, from the University of Alberta.
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Proposal DevelopmentOn outline for developing research proposals from the University of Saskatchewan's Research Services.
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Research FacilitationFrom research services, an "informal network of skilled professionals who help researchers, colleges and schools, and the institution achieve funding success and research impact."
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Grant Development ToolkitTips and general advice on the grant development process from the British Columbia Environmental & Occupational Health Research Network.
Editing and Proofreading Versus Tutoring
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Online Writing HelpOur FREE email-based tutoring student accessible to any student registered at the U Sask, graduate or undergraduate. This service is best for graduate students as we have more experienced tutors working online. You will receive your tutor's comments within 24-48 hours of your submission, but you may have to wait longer during holidays, weekends, and at the end of term. If you need a quicker response, please visit us for drop-in tutoring on the first floor of the Main Library (Murray 142).
Starting a Writing Group
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Starting a writing group with other graduate students is a great way to build a community of people who can give one another encouragement and feedback. Setting it up properly, though, is crucial. A detailed guide to starting your own writing group will help!
Formatting Your Thesis
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Thesis Preparation: Guidelines for Preparation of a ThesisThis CGSR page has links you will need to read before formatting and styling your thesis. The documents contain rules and regulations, as well as some suggestions, for your thesis document.
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Electronic Theses and DissertationsThe ETD site is a joint initiative between the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the University Library to enable graduate students to submit their thesis or dissertation electronically to the college and the Library.
Academic Integrity and Intellectual Property Rights
Below you will find links dealing with academic integrity at the University of Saskatchewan, including links to policy and procedures. Below that you will find links on intellectual property rights, what it is, how it affects grad students, and different polices and procedures governing intellectual property that you should be aware of at the university.
Autumnal Equinox 2009 by Daryl Mitchell is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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Academic MisconductThis page explains what academic misconduct is and links to the university's policy on academic misconduct.
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Student Conduct and AppealsThis page describes the appeals process at the university.
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Academic Integrity -- The University of SaskatchewanThis page has links for undergrads, graduate students and faculty regarding academic integrity.
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Definition of Academic MisconductHere you will find the definitions of integrity and misconduct as defined by the University Council.