Thesis and Dissertation Services

Theses and dissertations are submitted to DigitalCommons@UNMC as a requirement for graduation. Instructions for the optional binding of a manuscript are in the next section. 

Replace second paragraph with this: All of these master’s theses and doctoral dissertations must be formatted to meet ADA Title II accessibility requirements. Ensuring accessibility helps provide equitable access to scholarship for individuals with disabilities and aligns with institutional and federal accessibility expectations. Students may self-enroll in a Canvas course for guidance in making their manuscript and other files accessible, in addition to Graduate Studies requirements and an accessible Word template.

Preparation

Before submitting, please read all relevant policies and/or submission guidelines. This process does not include binding of the manuscript.

The submission process consists of the following steps:

1. Create an account
2. Read and accept the Submission Agreement
3. Provide information about the manuscript
4. Upload the digital file and any associated files

Before beginning, prepare the following information and items:

• The manuscript title in title case (e.g. To Kill a Mockingbird), not all caps that are used in your manuscript
• The abstract
• A list of keywords
• ORCID ID, if available
• An accessible PDF file of the manuscript
• The accessible Word version of the manuscript to be used by the library for further accessibility remediation if requirements evolve
• Any supplementary files associated with manuscript (to be uploaded as Additional Files). These files must also be accessible.

Submission Instructions

1. Once the manuscript has been finalized, go to the Digital Commons theses and dissertations site and click on the Submit Your Work link, located on the lower right-hand menu bar.
2. Though logging in with a UNMC Net ID is possible, it is recommended that graduates create a new account and enter their personal email address in order to receive monthly usage reports and to access the author dashboard for additional analytics. Confirmation of the new account is made from an email sent to the registered email address. Your email address will not be listed publicly.  
3. Once confirmed, read and accept the Submission Agreement, which includes information about copyright, accessibility, and a FERPA waiver..
4. Next, enter the required information into the form. (graduation date, title, ORCID ID, keywords, advisor(s), abstract, etc.)
5. After submitting the form, you will be taken to the Additional Files page where these files can be uploaded. These files should include:
   1. The final and accessible Word or PowerPoint version of the manuscript,
   2. Images, audio, video, animations, simulations, etc. that supplement your manuscript. All files must be accessible.
      1. Image files (e.g. jpg, png, tiff, etc.) should not be uploaded but instead be embedded in a Word of PowerPoint file and contain captions and alt text.
6. To hide files from public view, uncheck the box, corresponding to the file, in the Show column, and click the Save button.
7. To submit all files and information, click the Continue button.

The library will be notified of the submission via email and will post to DigitalCommons after reviewing. Graduate Studies will also receive that email notification for graduation requirement purposes.

Embargoes & Restrictions

An embargo is a delayed release of information. Students should discuss embargoes with their advisors. If embargoed, a manuscript cannot be downloaded until the embargo is lifted, though the record information and abstract will be accessible. The embargo begins the date of submission. It cannot be extended beyond two years without authorization from Graduate Studies. Extensions will be granted if a lower embargo was originally chosen and will not exceed two years from the submission date.

Some reasons to request an embargo include:

• Planned publication of content included in the manuscript
• There may be patentable rights or sensitive data in the work or other issues.
• There is an ethical need to prevent disclosure of sensitive information about persons, institutions, etc.

Questions

Email digitalcommons@unmc.edu for questions.