Dissertation Submission Requirements & Procedures

Before you begin, have the following information with you:

• A PDF copy of your dissertation/thesis. This must be a single file. If your manuscript is in Word or RTF format, ProQuest will convert it into a PDF during the upload
• Your abstract
• Optional supplementary files (images, data, etc.) that are an integral part of the dissertation/thesis, but not part of the full text
• A copy of your signature page for the correct spelling of your advisor's and other committee members' names
• 1 - 3 Subject categories that best describe your dissertation/thesis' subject area.
• Widener ID card
• Credit card

Access Widener's ProQuest/UMI ETD site here: http://www.etdadmin.com/widener

Set up an account and follow the steps for uploading a PDF of your dissertation.

• Create an Account
• ProQuest Publishing Options & University Agreement
• Contact Information
• Dissertation/Thesis Details
• Upload PDF
• Supplemental Files & Notes (optional)
• Register US Copyright
• Order Copies (optional)
• Review Your Submission
• Review Order Submission
• Confirm Billing Information & Pay

Begin at Widener's ProQuest ETD Platform: http://www.etdadmin.com/widener

1. Click on Login in the upper right corner
2. Select Student from the drop down menu
3. Click on Create New Student Account
4. Fill out the Form
5. Click on Create Account

1. Select Traditional or Open Access Publishing
2. Choose if you want your work to be available in ProQuest as soon as it is published [we recommend choosing yes.]
3. Click on Save & Continue

1. On the next page, read the Publishing Agreement
2. Click on Accept

1. On the next page, read the University Agreement
2. Check the box that you have read and agree to the University Agreement
3. Click on Save & Continue

1. Fill in your Contact Information
2. Click on Continue

1. Enter the details about your dissertation/thesis
2. Click on Save & Continue

1. Upload the PDF of your dissertation/Thesis*
2. Upload any Copyright permissions you may have**

*If you do not have a PDF, you can upload a word document and it will be converted to a PDF during the upload Process

**If you are using copyrighted material in your dissertation/thesis you need to get permission from the copyright holder to use the material in your dissertation/thesis.  This could be an email, a formal letter, or something else. Upload what you have.  Here is more information of obtaining permission. 

1. If supplementary materials - like audio, video and spreadsheets - are part of your dissertation or thesis, you can submit them as supplemental files. If you do not have supplemental files, just click on Save & Continue.
2. On the Notes to Administrator, Include any notes you have for the administrator at your graduate school who will be reviewing your submission. If you will be unreachable via email, note the best way to contact you here as well.
3. Click on Save & Continue

ProQuest will file for Copyright on your behalf, if you would like.  Copyright protects your intellectual property from theft. 

1. Answer Question #1
2. Answer Question #2 [Widener encourages you to choose Yes, file for a new copyright—I am requesting that ProQuest file for copyright on my behalf.]
3. Check the box acknowledging the $75 fee
4. Click on Save & Continue

ProQuest gives you the opportunity to purchase bound copies of your dissertation/thesis.  This is entirely optional. 

If you want to purchase copies:

1. Specify the number of copies of each format you want
2. Click on Continue with Order

If you DO NOT want to purchase Copies:

1. Click on Decline - Do Not Order

1. Review the details of your submission and make changes if necessary.
2. Click on Submit

1. Review your order details and make any necessary changes
2. Click on Confirm Billing Address

1. Enter your billing information into the form
2. Click on Enter Credit Card
3. You will have the option to print a receipt.  An electronic copy of your order will be emailed to you.

1. Enter your credit card information
2. Click on Pay

You did it!  You have successfully submitted your dissertation to the ProQuest/UMI ETD site.  You will be notified by email when the secondary administrator in your department has accepted your submission, when the primary administrator has delivered your submission to ProQuest/UMI , and when your dissertation has been included in the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database (this can take 8‐12 weeks).

If you have any questions at all, please contact Kayla Van Osten in the library at 610‐499‐4591 or kmvanosten@widener.edu.