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Email contact with your dissertation supervisor

Published on October 13, 2015 by Sarah Vinz . Revised on August 24, 2018.

How to best approach your dissertation supervisor via email can vary by supervisor. For example, some supervisors are fine with being addressed by their first name, while others would prefer that you only use their title and surname.

Table of contents

The style and tone of your message, addressing your supervisor, keep it short and sweet, no response from your supervisor, formal or informal, prevent plagiarism. run a free check., checklist: formal email contact.

Use an appropriate salutation. Example:  Dear Dr. X,

Explain the purpose of your email. Example: I am writing in follow-up to our meeting on Monday.

Be brief and clear about exactly what you want to say or ask. Example:  I have made the changes that we agreed on. Could you please check and confirm them?

Express your appreciation in advance. Example:  Thanks in advance for your help.

Use an appropriate closing. Example: Sincerely,

Your email looks appropriately formal.

In your first email contact with your dissertation supervisor, it is wise to address him or her quite formally (such as “Dear Dr. X” or “Dear Prof. Y”). You do not know what your supervisor will be comfortable with, so it is best to play it safe.

If your initial contact is too informal, your supervisor may get the wrong impression and start to question your professionalism and attitude.

If your supervisor’s response to your email closes with only his or her first name (such as “Sincerely, Ken”), you can assume that it is okay to address him or her by first name in your next message. To be extra safe, you can also wait until you have received a few more messages where he or she has closed in this way.

Examples of salutations and closings

Email signature

It is generally not necessary to use an email signature when corresponding with your supervisor. However, if your program requires that you do so or if it is your personal preference, you can use the following model:

• Name (first and surname)
• Educational institution
• Phone number
• Email address

Flawless writing

What is important in all cases is that your message is error-free. Make sure you use proper English (or whichever language is appropriate) and that you do not make any grammatical or spelling errors. Before you send a message to your supervisor, you are strongly advised to re-read the text carefully or even to have someone else read it, too.

A neat and accurate message shows your supervisor that you are both professional and serious about your project.

Dissertation supervisors are often busy people who are involved in many things at the same time. It is therefore important to be as clear and specific as possible in your messages, so they can quickly see what your problem is and then react.

Tips for writing clear and maintaining smooth contact

• Make sure you stick to only things that are relevant to your dissertation. For example, do not share stories from your personal life with your supervisor (unless they are important with regard to your results).
• Formulate your questions as clearly and concisely as possible , so that your supervisor understands what you want and can respond quickly.
• Do not ask long or complicated questions in an email; saving these queries for times when you have more personal contact will make things easier for both of you. You will spare your supervisor the time that he or she would need to reply in writing. On your side, asking such questions face-to-face allows you to get more comprehensive answers and to ask follow-up questions if you do not understand something.
• Give your supervisor enough time to respond. For example, don’t send questions the night before you have to submit something; do it a few days in advance instead.
• Always respond as quickly as possible to messages from your supervisor (when relevant). This includes confirming any appointments your supervisor proposes, answering all of his or her questions, indicating things you don’t understand and providing any information that he or she requests.
• The responsibility for writing the dissertation is yours. Instead of waiting for your supervisor to make contact, take the initiative to make an appointment. This is also better for your supervisor, because it shows him or her that you are serious about your project.

Confirming appointments via email

If you arrange something about an appointment with your supervisor verbally, it is smart to still confirm it via email. You then have something in writing to fall back on if any issues arise.

Similarly, it is also a good idea to summarize what you have agreed on, such as deadlines and matters relating to substantive issues. Ask your supervisor to check and confirm your notes, so that you are both 100% clear on where you stand.

See some sample emails

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Supervisors will generally always respond to your messages, but some are faster than others. If you do not get a reply, first think about whether there could be an obvious reason for the delay, such as that it is already late in the evening, it’s the weekend, or it’s a holiday.

Also note that not all supervisors are available five days a week. You can often find out what days your supervisor is available through your school. Before taking any action, consider how fast you need an answer. You don’t want to appear too impatient to your supervisor.

If you really cannot wait any longer or you haven’t heard anything from your supervisor in several days, send a polite reminder email. You can either briefly restate your question or refer to your previous message.

If you still do not get a response, try contacting your program or university. A department secretary can often connect you with your supervisor.

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Sample emails to your thesis supervisor

A good thesis requires good communication between you and your thesis supervisor. This includes emails! Yet, even a simple email can lead to stress and overthinking. If you struggle to communicate with your thesis supervisor via email, have a look at six sample emails for inspiration.

General tips for emailing your thesis supervisor

Every relationship between student and thesis supervisor is unique. And everyone has a unique (email) writing style.

Sample email to thesis supervisor inquiring about potential supervision

The first email to a potential thesis supervisor tends to be very formal. If you have never met the potential thesis supervisor in person before, make sure to check out tips on how to cold-email professors. In the following sample email, however, we assume that the student and the potential thesis supervisor met before.

Sample email to thesis supervisor setting up a meeting

Successful (postgraduate) students are proactive and take matters into their own hands. Reaching out to their thesis supervisors to set up a meeting is one part of it. The following sample email contains a simple request from a student to meet with her thesis supervisor.

Sample email to thesis supervisor sharing post-meeting action points

To get the most out of thesis supervision meetings , it is highly recommended that the student takes notes during the meeting. Based on these notes, the student then summarises the key takeaways from the meeting, or action points, so to speak. These action points will guide the student’s work until the next meeting, and provide a written record of agreements.

Sample email to thesis supervisor asking for feedback

Sample email to thesis supervisor asking for support

Sample email to thesis supervisor when not meeting a deadline.

And lastly, there are the unfortunate occasions where you made agreements with your thesis supervisor, which you cannot meet. Pulling an all-nighter is generally a bad idea, as sleep is crucial for efficient thesis writing . It might be smarter, to be honest, and open about it and to inform your thesis advisor in advance. In the following sample email, the student informs the supervisor that he cannot meet the agreed deadline.

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Writing your dissertation - working with your supervisor

Posted in: dissertations

Your supervisor

Before you begin your dissertation, it is highly likely you will be assigned a supervisor to oversee your progress from first steps to completion. Your supervisor will help you formulate ideas and give you guidance on how best to develop your research topic and course of action. But you need to always remember that this is your project, and your supervisor will not provide you with content or additional lessons on a particular topic. Their role is to help you work out your own pathways to success.

Get organised

Lecturers are very busy people, and your dissertation is only a small part of the duties and responsibilities they have to carry out during the summer months. So in order to get the most out of your supervisor and maintain a positive and productive professional relationship with them, you need to get organised.

Here are some important guidelines to follow:

• Agree a timetable of meetings at the start of your project and stick to it.
• Ensure that each meeting has a focus e.g. “setting a research problem”, “analysing the data”, with a clear set of questions to ask.
• your research plan
• early results of your data collection
• draft chapters.
• Arrive on time to each meeting you have arranged. At the end of each supervision meeting agree some action points for you to focus on before the next time you meet.
• Keep a record of what you decide in supervision sessions.
• Don't bug your supervisor with emails in between your meetings. Save up your questions for your next scheduled appointment.

If you are not happy with an aspect of your supervision, discuss this with your supervisor. If this is too difficult or awkward, your personal tutor may also be able to offer advice.

See also Communicating with your tutor

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What Is the Best Way to Work with my Supervisor?

Working and Communicating Effectively with your Supervisor

• First Online: 19 October 2023

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• Bartek Buczkowski   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4146-3664 4  

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This chapter will support you in working with your supervisor well. Not only will it consider how to go about choosing a supervisor, whilst recognising that many students have their supervisor assigned, but it will also consider how best to communicate and work collaboratively with your supervisor. Furthermore, if there is a communication breakdown between you and your supervisor there are some suggestions as to how you can reconcile this.

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Ahmadi F, Shamsi A, Mohammadi N (2020) Using intelligent interaction to manage student-supervisor conflict: a qualitative study. Journal of educational health promotion 9:18

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Adrian-Taylor SR, Noels KA, Tischler K (2007) Conflict between international graduate students and faculty supervisors: towards effective conflict prevention and management strategies. J Stud Int Educ 11:90–117

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Potts, M. (2014) 10 things I wish I had known before starting my dissertation. https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2012/may/02/dissertation-top-ten-tips . Accessed 28 No 2022

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Carnegie D (2006) How to win friends and influence people. Vermilion, London

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Reeves, S., Buczkowski, B. (2023). What Is the Best Way to Work with my Supervisor?. In: Mastering Your Dissertation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41911-9_4

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How to Strengthen the Relationship with Your Dissertation Supervisor

by Dr. Cara | Jun 26, 2023 | Dissertation Supervisor

Writing a dissertation isn’t supposed to be a solitary journey. Ideally, a strong support network guides you to success, just like a ship relies on a navigation system to get through rough waters. A well-structured support system is the backbone of your academic passage toward doctoral completion.

One of the most critical aspects of dissertation completion is establishing a solid and constructive relationship with your dissertation supervisor. This important connection plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth research and writing process, and (ultimately) your graduation.

Understanding the Role of the Dissertation Supervisor

Before delving into effective communication strategies, it’s crucial to understand the role of your dissertation supervisor. Supervisors provide guidance, support and expertise throughout the research process, playing a key part in helping students develop and refine key components of the research project and written dissertation. They also support students as they navigate the inevitable challenges that arise.

Equally important, supervisors can foster a conducive environment for your academic growth and success. This kind of ongoing, knowledgeable support can bolster confidence, keep procrastination at bay and increase accountability. ( For ideas on combatting procrastination, see this post.)

What happens, however, when the supervisory relationship is less than ideal? As a graduate student, what can you do when you feel as though you have been set adrift on the dissertation journey without a life raft or clear destination?

Try these ideas for building a better relationship with your dissertation supervisor:

1. Establish Clear Expectations

Setting crystal-clear expectations at the outset of the dissertation journey is vital for effective communication. Have an initial meeting with your supervisor to discuss project objectives, planned phases of the project and the frequency and mode of communication. Establishing a shared understanding of each other’s expectations ensures that both of you are on the same page and reduces the chances of miscommunication. Get some clear dates on the calendar with initial timelines for regular meetings and each phase of the dissertation journey.

2. Maintain Consistent Communication 

As mentioned previously in this blog, maintaining regular communication with your supervisor is critical for progress and success. Take the initiative – don’t wait for your supervisor to contact you. Schedule regular meetings or check-ins to provide updates on your progress, discuss any challenges and seek input. Strive to strike a balance between being independent and seeking guidance when needed. Remember: Supervisors, although likely busy with their own teaching and research, are there to support you through the dissertation process. Do not avoid your supervisor due to procrastination or a lack of progress. That’s likely when you need to reach out more deliberately to set up a meeting.

3. Be Prepared for Meetings 

Make the most of your meetings with your supervisor by coming prepared. Prior to your time together, organize your thoughts, questions and any specific issues you need to address. Consider what you want to get out of the meeting. Review your progress with your supervisor and provide updates on your work. Send any updates to your dissertation draft to your supervisor in a timely manner. Being well-prepared demonstrates your commitment to the project and your respect for your supervisor’s time, fostering a positive relationship.

4. Actively Seek Feedback

Feedback is an invaluable tool for improvement. Lean into feedback from your supervisor on your research, writing and overall progress. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth. Discuss your choices and be ready to negotiate with your supervisor regarding feedback you don’t agree with.  Responding positively and actively to feedback  shows your willingness to learn and adapt, which in turn strengthens the supervisor-student relationship.

5. Use Effective Email Communication 

This is often overlooked but email communication matters. ( Check out this article to find out more !) In addition to face-to-face meetings, email communication is an integral part of the supervisor-student relationship.

When sending emails, ensure that your messages are concise, clear and professional. Use a professional tone and structure your emails with a greeting, body and closing. Keep in mind that your supervisor may have numerous responsibilities, so be mindful of their time and keep emails focused on the relevant topics. And definitely avoid sprawling emails with last-minute attachments!

6. Respect Deadlines and Timelines 

This goes without saying but adhering to agreed upon deadlines and timelines (as much as possible) is essential in maintaining a positive relationship with your supervisor. Be realistic about your research goals and communicate any potential delays or challenges in advance. Above all, try not to avoid your supervisor when the going gets tough! When life goes awry, do your best to check in and provide an update. The key is to stay engaged in a regular way with your supervisor rather than going AWOL during the tough times. Otherwise, you may find yourself in the academic abyss longer than planned.

7. Address Challenges as they Arise

In any collaborative relationship, conflicts and challenges typically happen at some point. It’s normal and somewhat expected given all of the variables involved in a complex research project. It’s important to address these issues promptly and professionally. If you encounter difficulties with your supervisor, approach the situation with an open mind and a willingness to find a solution together. Seek common ground, listen attentively and express your concerns respectfully. Resolving conflicts effectively can strengthen the supervisor-student bond.

If working with your supervisor becomes an ongoing struggle, it’s important to address the issue proactively. First step: Assess the root cause of the problem.

Ask yourself whether the issue due to a difference in communication styles, conflicting expectations or a personality clash. Once you have identified the underlying issue, consider discussing your concerns with your supervisor.

Second step: Share your perspective, listen to your supervisor´s response and explore potential solutions together. If direct communication does not resolve the issue, you might need to seek guidance from the department’s graduate coordinator to mediate the situation.

In extreme cases where the conflict persists and significantly hampers your progress, it may be necessary to request a change of supervisor…but this should be a last resort. You don’t want to end up in the same scenario with someone else. Remember, you don’t have to “like” your dissertation supervisor but can you work with him or her? Can you find some benefit in working with someone who might have a completely different perspective? What are the “workarounds”?

The takeaway?

Establishing and maintaining a constructive, working relationship with your dissertation supervisor is crucial for the successful completion of your dissertation project. Effective communication, based on mutual respect and understanding, lays the foundation for a collaborative and DONE dissertation.

There’s more.  Get in touch with us if you feel you could use additional support on your dissertation journey. At Dissertation Complete Coaching, we help dissertation writers get unstuck, move forward and, yes, graduate. We can help you!

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How to Deal with an Unhelpful Dissertation Supervisor

Published by Alvin Nicolas at August 13th, 2021 , Revised On June 12, 2024

A dissertation supervisor  helps students with their dissertation , advises them about the project’s requirements and aids them throughout their research. Supervisors support us through our hard times and make sure that we overcome the academic challenges thrown at us.

However, there may be times when things might get heated between students and supervisors – when both are under pressure and looking to solve a lot of problems in little time. And at that very moment, you might want to learn more about how to deal with the unhelpful dissertation supervisor.

Expect to face many problems if you come across a dissertation supervisor who is not willing to help; is rude at times and does not seem to understand you as a student and the  challenging phase you’re going through.

If you find it difficult to impress your dissertation supervisor and maintain a good relationship with them, some rules will get you through this challenging time. See below for some tips on ‘How to Deal with an Unhelpful Dissertation Supervisor’.

Also Read:  How to write a dissertation – Step by step guide .

Tips to Deal with an Unhelpful Supervisor

Rule # 1: communicate effectively with unhelpful dissertation supervisor .

Communication is the key. Even if your dissertation supervisor is unhelpful and does not offer any guidance, clearly mention all your dissertation-related concerns.

For example, there might be an instance when your unhelpful dissertation supervisor is in a perfect, understanding mood and could offer a workable solution to any problem you are facing despite their unhelpful nature. Keep the door of communication open at all times, and make sure to attend all meetings.

Stay determined, and you’ll be able to complete your dissertation successfully.

Rule # 2: Be Patient and Persistent with your Unhelpful Dissertation Supervisor 

Getting help from a dissertation supervisor who isn’t very accommodating can be daunting. There may be times when your supervisor might not help you at all, even if you’re badly stuck with your dissertation. In times like these, try to be patient and continue with your research.

Though it might be pretty tricky for you to continue in such a situation, there is nothing much that you can do about it. Changing an unhelpful dissertation supervisor or submitting an application for a supervisor change would take up a lot of your time. You could instead invest in focusing on your dissertation.

Stay determined, and you’ll be able to  complete your dissertation successfully .

Looking for dissertation help?

Researchprospect to the rescue then.

We have expert writers on our team who are skilled at helping students with dissertations across a variety of disciplines. Guaranteeing 100% satisfaction!

Also read: How to Write a Dissertation in a Week

Rule # 3: Seek Help from Peers

When you’re finding it hard to seek guidance from your academic supervisor, get in touch with your peers. This may not sound like a great idea, but there is a chance that some of them might be in the same boat as yours.

Talk to them about the issues you’re facing in completing your dissertation and see how they can help you. Organising a group session once a week or two will help to address your dissertation-related concerns.

Discuss complicated aspects and sections of your dissertations and see how this works out for you.

If you cannot find answers to your questions, you can contact us via email – [email protected] or telecom –  +44 141 628 7786. At ResearchProspect, we have Master’s to PhD qualified writers for all academic subjects so you can be confident of having your dissertation project completed to a First Class quality  promptly.  Click here to learn more about our ordering process .

Rule # 4: Don’t Get Emotional

When you’re  stressed and tensed about your dissertation , there are chances that you’d also get emotional. You might find no one to assist and guide you in times of need. However, to emerge successfully out of this situation, you need to make sure you keep your emotions in control and not let them get the best of you.

Emotions will further ruin your situation, and you’ll gain nothing from them. Stay strong and believe in yourself. In the case where you’re working on a PhD thesis, dealing with an unhelpful dissertation supervisor becomes even more difficult.

The situation intensifies because there’s a lot at stake, and you might be left scratching your head over how to deal with an unhelpful dissertation supervisor. Regardless of the situation, do not let the emotions get the better of you.

Keep the  door of communication  open at all times, and make sure to attend all meetings.

Rule # 5: Stay Assertive

Staying positive during difficult times is never easy, and you need to overcome this challenge. When working on your dissertation, make sure you’re confident of the elements you’ve included in your dissertation, and be sure that you’re working in the right direction.

Staying positive and assertive will help you learn a new perspective on how you can work without help and guidance. Thus, this way, even without a supervisor, you’ll be able to  produce a flawless dissertation .

Dealing with an unhelpful dissertation supervisor is a nightmare but can be managed by following the tips we have shared with you. As a student, you should focus on your work and stay determined to complete your dissertation on time .

Your main goal should be to  produce a dissertation that is perfect, as well as authentic and reliable . Thus, keep your focus on writing a dissertation to help you achieve an ‘A’ grade.

Here are some comprehensive guidelines for you to understand  How to Write a Great Dissertation Paper.

How can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect academics can provide much-needed academic guidance if you have not been able to get help from your dissertation supervisor.  Our writers can either solve your problem or provide guidelines on how you should be approaching a certain problem so you don’t get stuck.

Stuck with complicated elements of a dissertation paper such as  Dissertation Methodology ,  Dissertation Statistical Analysis , and  Dissertation Findings & Discussion ? Our writers have years of experience in developing high-class dissertation papers. Please sit back and relax while our experts do the hard work for you.  Click here to fill out our simple order form to get instant quotes .

Read More: How Bad A Dissertation Have To Be To Fail

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do a dissertation without a supervisor.

While possible, it’s highly recommended to have a supervisor for a dissertation. A supervisor provides guidance, expertise, and feedback crucial for successful research and writing, enhancing the quality and validity of your work.

You May Also Like

Make sure that your selected topic is intriguing, manageable, and relevant. Here are some guidelines to help understand how to find a good dissertation topic.

Your dissertation introduction chapter provides detailed information on the research problem, significance of research, and research aim & objectives.

A literature review is a survey of theses, articles, books and other academic sources. Here are guidelines on how to write dissertation literature review.

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10 tips on finding the right dissertation supervisor

Before you start writing your master’s dissertation it is extremely important to find the best possible supervisor to help and guide you through the dissertation writing process. When asking how to write a dissertation, many students forget that all highly graded dissertation examples have in common a strong and productive student-supervisor relationship . There are several important tips to remember when choosing a supervisor.

The right supervisor for your subject

It might sound obvious, but make sure your supervisor is the best possible person to help with your specific dissertation title. It might seem tempting to go for somebody you know already or somebody popular, but finding a dissertation supervisor who is an expert in the specific field you are writing your dissertation on is the most important criteria.

Their intimate knowledge of the topic itself and the academic field surrounding it will be indispensable as they guide you through the dissertation writing process.

A strong working relationship

If you are choosing from supervisors you have worked with before, for your master’s dissertation do choose one with whom you feel you had a strong and productive working relationship . It is best to avoid a supervisor who made you feel nervous or anxious, even if you respect them. When you are writing your dissertation you will need to be able to express your ideas openly and confidently to your supervisor, and to explore your full academic capability without being afraid of making mistakes.

In order to write the best dissertation example you possibly can, you need a supervisor who will allow you to feel supported and free to experiment with new ideas and to push the boundaries of your writing.

Equally, do not be tempted to choose a supervisor who is too laid-back and relaxed, even if you found them particularly easy going. The process of writing your master’s dissertation is intense and pressurised and you will need somebody who will gently push you and keep you motivated if you are going to get it done in time and to the best of your ability.

Good recommendations

The advice of students from previous years is usually invaluable – ask them honestly to share their own experiences with you, they may be able to provide you with excellent inside information about the style and expertise of various dissertation supervisors.

A supervisor with your best interests at heart

Many students tend to approach a dissertation supervisor whose profile is very high within the University or who is an important member of their college or faculty. Remember, although these supervisors may have a great deal of expertise, their schedules may already be tightly packed – make sure you find a supervisor who has enough time to truly provide you with all the support and attention your dissertation deserves.

A slightly less senior supervisor will often have just as much knowledge and skill in your dissertation area of study, but be more motivated to help you towards top dissertation marks to improve their own reputation and academic success as well as yours.

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Dissertation supervision.

A dissertation supervisor provides regular guidance and support to a student undertaking a dissertation.

The supervisory relationship is built on clear communication and mutually agreed expectation in terms of progress. Working in partnership with the student a supervisor assists in the definition of a research topic the design of a programme of study and the implementation of this. They also provide expertise at the writing stage and support in the face of deadlines.

The materials published on this page were originally created by the Higher Education Academy.

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Center for Teaching

Dissertation supervision.

This article was originally published in the Spring 2001 issue of the CFT’s newsletter, Teaching Forum.

By Peggy Thoits, Professor of Sociology

During her career, Peggy Thoits has worked with graduate students at three major universities- Princeton, Indiana, and Vanderbilt- and supervised numerous dissertations. She has also been honored for her effectiveness as a mentor to women at Vanderbilt. Here, she describes her approach to working one-on-one with students during the dissertation process.

Dissertation supervision is one of the most enjoyable forms of one-on-one teaching. Dissertation students are working on interesting questions that really matter, and for me, this makes it intrinsically more enjoyable than other forms of independent study.

Dissertation supervision differs in other ways from other forms of independent study. With other individual study formats, the process is guided by me. I know what happens next. I know what the student should do next. But in the dissertation stage, it’s really much more mutual. Other kinds of individual supervision are graded, so there’s an explicit contract and an explicit product and an explicit process. In contrast, dissertation guidance is absolutely open ended; it depends on the dissertation student. In a way, it’s really student-initiated and student-directed. I provide information and guidance when it truly is missing, but more often I am responding to the next stages that the dissertation student has reached.

In deciding whether or not to supervise a dissertation it’s important for there to be some familiarity between the graduate student and the advisor and some sort of connection between the student’s topic and the advisor’s areas of expertise. Otherwise, I don’t think the supervision goes very well. In my experience, students who’ve never taken a seminar with me and whose interests may or may not fit within my general areas may need to be gently guided to some other potential advisors.

Once the advisor and the student are satisfied they have a good match, the work of the dissertation can begin. Because of my philosophy that dissertation work is largely student-directed and student-initiated, my personal involvement can vary widely and is based on the needs of individual and the phase of the dissertation research itself.

When the graduate student is early on in his or her development of a topic, my involvement varies from weekly meetings to occasional conferences, depending on how far along the student’s thinking has moved. If the topic is coming out of a prior research project, then the topic may be a natural extension of the preliminary work and there’s less need for frequent meetings to hammer out what the dissertation is going to do. If the student is starting cold with a new idea or an area in which she or he hasn’t done a lot of work before, then my advice usually is to have frequent meetings, one a week, until both the advisee and the advisor feel like they’re on the same page in terms of the topic, its importance, and its suitability as a topic for dissertation research.

When the student begins working on a written proposal, there may be a hiatus in the meetings because the graduate goes off to write. Here is an area where the variability on the whole process starts to emerge. There are folks who go away for two months and come back with 35 pages of rough draft that are in reasonable shape and there are people who go off and write five pages and come back and discuss the next section and then go off and write those five pages and return for more discussion.

This is an example of letting the graduate student lead. Whatever he or she needs, at the proposal writing stage, I’ll do. People have different writing styles, different paces, and different needs at that stage and I try to work within that.

Once the proposal is defended, a whole new stage of relationship emerges. The student is off doing the instrumental tasks of the dissertation and I may not see him or her but once a month or once every two months. I might even just get e-mail reports from graduate students at various stages of the data collection process when questions or issues arise that haven’t been anticipated. Sometimes we’ll have a periodic update meeting just to keep me informed of where things are and what decisions are being made in the process of doing the research. But again, that varies from person to person. I accommodate whatever style a person needs, because these needs are really variable. The analytical stage is fun, we end up having conversations more often and talking in more detail. Once the writing begins, my advisees and I often barely see one another. We are communicating through paper. I get a written, hard copy of a chapter, and I give written feedback both in terms of things that need to be fleshed out, and alternative arguments that could be tested and rebutted here. I may suggest redoing the analysis so that the findings may be simpler and easier to present.

For me, the key has been to let the relationship between me and the graduate student ebb and flow with the phases of the dissertation research and the individual needs of that student.

Preparation for both the proposal defense and the dissertation defense is a final area in which the one-on-one teaching relationship can be very helpful. Some faculty may forget that students don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s useful for the advisor and advisee to meet before the dissertation defense (and also the proposal defense), and talk through what the student should expect.

My best advice about both a good dissertation defense and a good proposal defense is that they are the only two times in a person’s career when people will sit around and concentrate on his or her work only. It’s important students know that the committee’s goal is not to stop them or to hurt them or to show them up. Their goal is to help make the student’s research be the best it can possibly be. If the faculty member, the committee, and the dissertation student have done the work they needed to do prior to the defense, it can be an exhilarating capstone experience in the process.

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Thesis/Dissertation Consultations

• Make an Appointment with a Thesis/Dissertation Writing Consultant

The Thesis/Dissertation Writing Consultants have been trained to help graduate students across the disciplines plan, write, revise, or format their thesis or dissertation.

They operate within four dimensions, assisting graduate students in the following ways: 

Dissertation, Doctoral Project, and Thesis Information & Templates

Note: Forms required for the submission of theses and dissertations are available on the  Academic Forms  page.

Important Notes for Dissertation, Doctoral Project & Thesis Writers

• Information is available in Section IV.B.2 Research on Human Subjects of the  Graduate Bulletin   (from the  Resources and Policies page ).
• Additional information and forms are available on the   IRB website . Your IRB approval number must be included on the Thesis or Dissertation Proposal Form.
• Consult the  Guidelines for Dissertation, Doctoral Project and Thesis Writers  before beginning your thesis or dissertation.
• Download a template to assist with formatting your work. The templates are unlocked and can be edited (links to the template can be found in the “Submission Procedures” sections below).
• Check the Resources & Guidelines section of the ProQuest website for instructions on using the site. The Library has created a very informative series of  short videos  about the choices you must make on the ProQuest site.
• Additional information on copyright, publishing options and other topics is available on  Lauinger’s Scholarly Communication  website.
• More information about the requirements for dissertations, doctoral projects and theses can be found in the  Graduate Bulletin .

Submission of the Thesis, Doctoral Project or Dissertation

Information on the forms required leading up to a defense and also afterward appear on Submission of Thesis  and  Submission of Dissertation or Doctoral Project .

Download a Thesis / Doctoral Project / Dissertation Template

(for Master’s and Doctoral candidates) We recommend that you download a Thesis / Doctoral Project / Dissertation Template using Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Google Chrome browsers. There are some reported issues for students trying to download using Internet Explorer. The download links are shown below:

• The combined  Master’s Thesis / Doctoral Project / Doctoral Dissertation Template  for MS-Word for Windows is available at: Thesis/Project/Dissertation Template-PC
• The  Master’s   Thesis Template  for Word for Mac is available at:  Thesis Template-MAC
• The  Doctoral Template  for Word for Mac is available at  Dissertation Template-MAC
• If you use the LaTeX markup language, you can download a ZIP file folder containing several template and style documents, as well as an extensive tutorial manual, at this link:  Thesis/Dissertation Template-LaTeX . An updated .sty file was uploaded in June 2020.

LaTeX users please note: These LaTeX template materials are provided for the use of those who are already proficient in the use of LaTeX. Neither the Graduate School nor the faculty who helped develop this template are able to provide support or training in the use of this specialty software.

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