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-===== Writing Your Doctoral Thesis =====
+===== Writing a Master's or Ph.D. Thesis =====
+===== Disclaimer =====
+This is an **unofficial guide**, and all information is subject to change. Current information about filing a thesis or dissertation at UC Davis can be found on the Graduate Studies page  **[[https://grad.ucdavis.edu/preparing-filing-your-thesis-or-dissertation|Filing Your Thesis Or Dissertation]].**
-Note: What appears below, with permission, is a slightly edited version of unofficial advice from MGSA,
+----
-the UC Berkeley Mathematics Graduate Student Associate, with Berkeley specific
-information removed. Information specific to filing a doctoral thesis at UC Davis can
-be found via the [[https://grad.ucdavis.edu/resources/graduate-student-resources/academic-information-and-services/filing-thesis-or-dissertation|Grad Studies website]].
-==== LaTeX Dissertation Template ====
-There are several websites dedicated to [[http://theoval.cmp.uea.ac.uk/~nlct/latex/thesis/|Using LaTeX to Write a PhD Thesis]]. But since you're in the UC Davis math department, your best bet is to use a template that was specifically created for UC Davis math students.  Here is a {{ :dissertation_template_2021.zip | 2021 Grad Studies approved template}} created originally by Tyrell McAllister with later edits by Jeff Irion, John Challenor, Will Wright, and David Haley in order to keep the template current with formatting requirements.
+===== LaTeX Dissertation Template =====
+  * **Download: {{ ::dissertation_template_2026.zip | Dissertation Template 2026}}**
-Once you pass your Qual, download the dissertation template! Fill in some basic info (name, major, committee members' names, etc.), and add to your dissertation while you work on your research.  After all, it's easier to write and cite as you go than to do it months/years later when that stuff isn't fresh in your mind.
+This template was originally created by Tyrell McAllister, with later edits by Jeff Irion, John Challenor, Will Wright, and David Haley to keep the template current with UC Davis formatting requirements. In 2024, Greg DePaul updated the template to be Overleaf compatible. In 2026, Lisa Johnston reorganized and cleaned up the template to make it easier to edit.
-A previous template that complied with UCD's requirements as of 2012 was created by [[http://node99.org/|Sean Whalen]] and can be found on [[https://github.com/chebee7i/thesis-template|GitHub]]
+Note: This template is a good starting point but not an official Graduate Studies template. Please check the current Graduate Studies filing and formatting requirements.
-==== Writing a Master's or Ph.D. Thesis ====
+As of April 2026, all electronic dissertations and theses must meet the WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility requirements.
+----
+===== Getting Started =====
+There are several websites dedicated to [[https://www.dickimaw-books.com/latex/thesis/|Using LaTeX to Write a PhD Thesis]]. But since you're in the UC Davis math department, your best bet is to use a template that was specifically created for UC Davis math students.
+Once you pass your Qual, download the dissertation template! Fill in the ''Dissertation_Info.tex'' file, and add to your dissertation while you work on your research.  After all, it's easier to write and cite as you go than to do it months/years later when that stuff isn't fresh in your mind.
+===== Filing and Formatting Notes =====
+  * Take note of the [[https://grad.ucdavis.edu/academic-dates|filing deadlines]]. Graduate Studies recommends sending your thesis or dissertation draft to your committee at least four weeks before the date you plan to file. In most cases, your committee probably won't need that much time, but you should check in with your committee members well in advance to make sure they'll be around when you need them.
+  * Once your committee members have signed your thesis or dissertation's title page, you will upload the completed document electronically to ProQuest ETD and upload the required paperwork through GradSphere. (See the Graduate Studies website linked above for current instructions.)
+  * Grad Studies will review your dissertation to make sure that it is formatted correctly and let you know if any corrections need to be made. They will then inform you when your dissertation has been approved, after which time no further changes are allowed.
+  * Upload all required paperwork, including the signed title page, through GradSphere. The Report of Final Exam, if required for your degree plan, is submitted by the chair of your final exam through GradSphere.
+  * The title page must be a single form signed by all committee members. Electronic signatures are accepted, and committee members may use any format or application to sign, except only typing their name. * The title page in your ProQuest upload should be unsigned with blank signature lines. The signed title page is uploaded separately through GradSphere.
+  * You can schedule a pre-filing appointment with a [[https://grad.ucdavis.edu/about-us/contact-us/graduate-senior-academic-advisors|Senior Academic Advisor]] if you have questions or want to confirm that your materials are complete.
+=====General Writing Advice=====
+Note: What appears below, with permission, began as a slightly edited version of unofficial advice from MGSA,the UC Berkeley Mathematics Graduate Student Associate, with Berkeley specific information removed.  Over time this document has evolved to contain a great deal of UC Davis-specific information as well as current LaTeX templates.
 //(Thanks to Megumi Harada)//
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   * **Start early**. Jot down notes when you talk to your advisor. Keep them somewhere that you'll be able to find them again. Often, you find that little notes you write can serve as a "seed" to start the writing process.
   * **Write a little each day.** Obvious, and yet few people follow this advice. Even just one hour a day, divided into four 15-minute sessions, goes a long way if you keep at it for a month.
-  * Get your advisor to look at small parts of drafts and chapters early on.
+  * **Ask for feedback early.** Get your advisor to look at small parts of drafts and chapters early on.
-==== How To Graduate: The Paperwork ====
+----
+=== Older Templates ===
+Older versions of the dissertation template are kept here for reference, but most students should use the current 2026 version above.
-This is an **unofficial guide**.  Please see [[https://grad.ucdavis.edu/resources/graduate-student-resources/academic-information-and-services/filing-thesis-or-dissertation|Preparing & Filing Your Thesis or Dissertation]] for the official set of instructions.
+  * {{ :dissertation_template_2024.zip | Dissertation Template 2024}}: The first Overleaf-compatible version of the math department template.
-  * Take note of the [[https://grad.ucdavis.edu/sites/default/files/upload/files/current-students/academic-calendar.pdf|filing deadlines]]. They recommend completing your dissertation in time to give it to your committee for review at the beginning of the quarter in which you intend to graduate. In most cases, your committee probably won't need that much time, but you should check in with your committee members well in advance to make sure they'll be around when you need them.
+  * {{ :dissertation_template_2020.zip | Dissertation Template 2020}}: An older version of the math department template. It differs from later versions mainly in how page numbers are formatted.
-  * Once your committee members have signed your dissertation's title page, you can file your dissertation electronically (see the Grad Studies website linked above for the specific instructions). The Grad Studies office will review it to make sure that it is formatted correctly and let you know if any corrections need to be made. They will then inform you when your dissertation has been approved, after which time no further changes are allowed.
+  * [[https://github.com/chebee7i/thesis-template|Sean Whalen's 2012 UC Davis thesis template]]: An older template that is no longer maintained.
-  * The final step is to make an appointment with the [[https://grad.ucdavis.edu/about-us/contact-us/graduate-senior-academic-advisors|Senior Academic Advisor]] for Mathematics and Applied Mathematics (as of Spring 2020, this is [[mailto:bwolf@ucdavis.edu|Brad Wolf]]). This appointment can't take place until **at least two business days** after you file your dissertation online (and it must have been approved). The purpose of this appointment is to file the remaining paperwork and receive an official letter confirming your degree.
+  * ''ucdavisthesis'': An older LaTeX class/package based on an earlier UC Davis thesis template. It may be useful for reference, but it may require extra work to keep current with formatting requirements.
-As of Spring 2020, the documents you will need to bring are as follows (see the official checklist [[https://grad.ucdavis.edu/sites/default/files/upload/users/gs303_doctoraldegreecompletionlist.pdf|here]]).
-  * Your title page with the signatures of your committee members.
-  * One copy of your abstract.
-  * The dissertation embargo agreement (this requires your advisor's signature even if you aren't planning on an embargo on your dissertation).
-  * Two online surveys: The Survey of Earned Doctorates and the Graduate Studies Exit Survey. Each will give you a completion code which you will need to provide.
-  * The Graduate Program Exit Information form. As of Spring 2019, this requires a signature from either Tina or Victoria.
-The three documents with signatures obviously must be physical copies. The other item can be emailed to the Academic Advisor when you set up your appointment.

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