Instructions for Using the GCU Dissertation Template

Instructions for Using the Template
General Information
The GCU dissertation template is designed to make the task of writing your dissertation as straightforward as possible. The basic guidelines for completing the proposal/dissertation manuscript are contained in this template. Please note that dissertation requirements may change over time as new designs, types of analyses and research paradigms enter the research literature. As such, it is possible that the template contains omissions, inconsistencies, or minor errors. In service to addressing these potential issues, the dissertation template is updated on a regular basis. As an independent doctoral level researcher, it is your responsibility to check regularly for template updates and to use the most current version of the template. If you need clarification or have questions, please contact your chair.
All template formatting directions must be followed, and all rubric requirements must be satisfied or addressed. There are many important instructions in the text that describes most sections. The template includes many “bubble comments” that appear in a special margin on the far right of the document. To make sure you can see these comments, choose the Review menu tab from the Word ribbon (top of the page), and in the Tracking group make certain that All Markup is selected in the first dropdown box.
The template relies heavily on a Microsoft Word tool called Styles. Most Word users can see the current Word styles on the Home menu in what is called the Style Gallery in the right half of the menu ribbon. The style of the currently selected text is highlighted in the gallery (you may have to scroll up or down to see the current style). This template uses styles for headings, lists, and other formatting. Information on using Word styles in the template is contained either in the template text or bubble comments. Please follow all formatting directions, failure to do so may delay reviews and progression through the dissertation milestones.
Learners should note that the Word styles used in this template are “linked” within Word to this document. As long as you use this template as the basis for your document, the correct styles will be available. However, if you open a blank Word document and copy/paste from this template, the template styles generally will not copy with the text. Because of this, it is a good practice to always copy to or edit in this document. If for some reason you need a blank document with the Word styles from this template, use CTRL+A to select the entire template and then press Delete. You will now have a blank document based on this template. You can be certain that the correct Word styles are attached to your document if the text “QUANTITATIVE GCU Dissertation Template V9.0 08.10.2020” appears in the footer of the page.
The more closely you follow the template format and rubrics, the smoother will be the review and ultimate approval process. If you have questions about anything in the template, please contact your committee chair for guidance. Good luck in your dissertation journey! Listed below are some recommendations to successfully use this template:
Instructions for Using the Dissertation Template
Please note with this version 9.0, there is no longer a separate proposal template. Chapters 1-3 constitute the proposal.
Carefully read narrative for each chapter and section to know what is required and find important tips for completing each section. Please note text in red font as critical information in writing your manuscript.
Carefully review each criterion listed in the rubric below each section for very specific details for how the sections will be evaluated.
Ensure you have addressed all the required criteria for each section. Write to the criteria table (embedded rubric) requirement and make it clear in your writing when addressing each criterion.
Do not alter key Level 1 headings or the Level 2 or 3 subheadings within the template. These headings are used to build the automated Table of Contents. If the headings are altered, you will need to reassign appropriate level headings in Word in order to appropriate format the manuscript.
Dissertation committee members DO NOT EDIT and are not responsible for editing documents. They may point out errors and indicate what needs corrections. All dissertation artifacts need to be written at the doctoral level appropriate for scholarly research and publication, including meeting APA requirements for tables, figures, citations, references, and formatting as specified in the template.
It is critical that you edit and proofread this dissertation document prior to submitting to your chair, committee members, and reviewers. Writing errors such as bad grammar, spelling mistakes, poor paragraph and se...