The Graduate College

Dissertation Writing and Research Support

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The Graduate College provides several support programs for students at the master's, specialist, and doctoral levels.

• Graduate Center for Research and Retention
• Dissertation Funding
• Theses and Dissertation Process
• Word Processing and Editorial Services
• Dissertation Formatting Workshops
• Guidelines for the Preparation of Theses, Specialist Projects and Dissertations

The Graduate College encourages students to have their theses and dissertations copyrighted and placed on microfilm. WMU requires doctoral students to file a copy of the dissertation with ProQuest Information & Learning. The following links will be helpful in this regard:

• ProQuest (formerly University Microfilms):
     Home Page 
     ProQuest UMI Dissertation Services 

External links:

• The All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide provides helpful tips for ABD students. 
• When the time comes to find professional employment, EduCareer.com LLC provides listings for a variety of available postdoctoral positions and faculty and staff employment opportunities.
  

Graduate Center for Research and Retention

Assists graduate students in writing doctoral dissertations and grant proposals for external funding by conducting quality-circle reviews of these documents and by providing a comprehensive program of workshops structured to enhance students' success in the attainment of their doctoral degrees.

Dissertation Funding

The following programs are offered exclusively to doctoral students, to help them complete their dissertations or to reward excellence.

The Gwen Frostic Doctoral Fellowships - Spring 2007 Pending approval from the Board of Trustees, the Graduate College announces the Spring 2007 competition for the Gwen Frostic Doctoral Fellowships.

George and Beatrice Fisher Gerontology Dissertation Prize. This annual award recognizes the doctoral dissertation that best advances the study and understanding of the process of aging. The prize may be awarded in any discipline or field related to gerontology. Candidates must be admitted to a degree program and be in good academic standing. Nominations from department chairs or graduate advisors must include a summary of the nominee's gerontology research, a vita, and a letter of support from the department chair or graduate advisor. The award is made each June. Applications must be received by May 15.