Student Publications in the JKM Library

1. Do I have to submit anything?

Check with your advisor. Some degrees require only an electronic copy (PsYD, OTD, DNP, MIA & MSIA), and some require both electronic and print (MA-Interdisciplinary, MFAS-Food Studies, MFA & MS-Biology). Currently there are only a handful of undergraduate programs that require submission (BA-Visual Arts, BS-Biology and BIA-Interior Architecture), but it can sometimes change due to the nature of evolving media.

2. When is the due date to submit?

May graduation: @ Last week of May.

August graduation: @ Last week of August

December graduation: @ Last week of December.

PLEASE NOTE: Your department, program, or advisor may have a different timeline or guidelines to adhere to, which would supersede our guidelines.

3. Will I be notified when I have submitted everything?

Within 48 hours you will recieve a notification from the library, either confirming your successful submissions, or asking for more information. Due to the seriousness and enormity of your work, any immediate or automated technical approval on our end would be negligent. If you don't hear from us with 48 business hours, please email dnolting@chatham.edu, and/or remember to check your spam and junk folders.

4. If I do not turn in my paper by graduation, can I still walk?

Yes! The requirement to submit your work to the library does not affect walking at graduation in any way. It just affects the mailing of your diploma and your ability to request transcripts.

5.{for paper submissions only} The manual says I need to have a 1.5 inch margin on the left side of the page. Is this really necessary?

No, it's not. The binding used by the Copy Center is very minimal. Plus, many students double-side their documents, which puts the 1.5 inch margin on the wrong side on the back of every sheet. 1 inch margins are perfect. 

6. I can't get the page numbers to work correctly. I need Roman numerals and Arabic numerals in different sections of my paper. What do I do?

This is a very common problem. Microsoft has instructions on their website for how to do this. It can be a bit tricky, so if you prefer, you can split your Word document into several files and then upload them. We will then use software to combine it into one file. 

7. What upload size and format limitations are there?

Any size, any format that is pertinent to your work can be submitted (i.e. Word, PDF, Powerpoint, movie files, spreadsheets, databases, etc.) If they don't upload the first time then contact dnolting@chatham.edu for assistance

8. I'm not graduating - or - I have an extension to finish my project -- how do I stop getting emails?

Simply email the Contact Person listed on this page to let them know that you are not graduating this semester or that you have an extension on your senior writing project. They will then remove you from the email list. 

9. I thought I submitted everything, why am I still getting emails?

If you think you have submitted everything, please email the Contact Person and ask them what parts are missing. They are also happy to double-check and make sure something hasn't accidentally slipped by without being recorded. 

10. {for paper submissions only} I'm not able to come to campus to get my print copy bound at the Copy Center. What do I do?

The helpful folks at the Copy Center are happy to coordinate with you to print and bind your thesis even if you can't come to campus. Please give them a call at 412-365-1108 to set this up. 

11. {for paper submissions only} Is there any way to save money when printing and binding the project?

To print your work, first use your print quota. If you are out of print quota, have the Copy Center both print and bind your thesis. They will print black and white for 5 cents/page instead of the 10 cents/page that additional print quota amounts cost. It costs $2 to bind each copy of your thesis at the Copy Center. (All monetary amounts are accurate as of Spring 2014. The library does not have any role in deciding these costs.)

12. Who can access my publication through the library?

This information can be found on the Collection and Access Policy for Student Publications. 

 see also 14. Will it be password protected? 

13. I don't want to submit my work to the library. What options do I have?

All student publications must be submitted to the library and will eventually be made available. If you do not want your thesis available immediately (because you are trying to publish it, obtain a patent, or similar), you can petition for an embargo. You will need to fill out our embargo form, obtain the appropriate signatures, and submit it with your print copy.

14. Will my online work be password protected, or will it be available for all to see?

As directed by the faculty, all graduate theses, capstones (DNP, MIA, MLA) and dissertations that are submitted electronically with the online agreement form are accessible electronically by all on the world wide web.

OTD Capstones and Undergraduate works are password protected with current Chatham credentials.

In special circumstances, password access can be added or removed on an individual basis. Please contact dnolting@chatham.edu if you have any questions or concerns.