Turning in Drafts of Dissertations, Master's Reports, and Senior Theses

Peg Syverson

Because of the large volume of work I am responsible for, it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of the different drafts and stages of your work, and respond to it in a timely way. You can help speed the process along if you will follow these steps.

If you are a dissertation writer, please be sure you have read the handout, "What is a Prospectus?"

Note: Do the following every time you give me a draft. I do keep copies of the outline in your file, but I often read drafts where I do not have access to your file.

1. Make sure your draft is double-spaced, with generous margins, and spell-checked. Number every page. I recommend that you put your name and the page number on every page. Do not staple the pages.

2. Provide a short overall outline of the entire project, indicating where this draft is situated. Example:

Chapter 1. Introduction to key concepts of complexity theory
Chapter 2. Case study of Reznikoff's poem
Chapter 3. Case study of students collaborating to write an essay
Chapter 4. Gulf War conflict in XLCLHC computer forum
Chapter 5. Conclusion. Implications for composition research, pedagogy, and assessment

3. Add a cover page with your name, the date you are giving it to me, and an explanatory title (First draft of Chapter 1, Final revision of Chapter 3, and so on).

3. Provide a brief note to me that points to specific concerns with the draft you'd especially like me to respond to, and notes any special deadlines or requirements. (i.e., this is a writing sample for a position application, due by November 5).

5. Plan ahead enough to avoid "crisis mode." Consider that, depending on my schedule, it typically takes two to three weeks for me to read and respond to a chapter draft. If you have not heard back from me after three weeks, a gentle reminder is appropriate (no, I don't mind at all).

7. My comments are likely to emerge from the framework suggested in "Diagnostics for dissertations and chapters." I don't expect you to write to this framework, but it helps me focus on key aspects of the draft that I might otherwise overlook. I've linked it here in case you would like to use it in responding to drafts of others, for example, in dissertation writing groups.