Adler University Library: Theses & Dissertations: Formatting & Submissions

Editing vs. Format Review

Adler University's format reviewers do not edit dissertations and theses for spelling, grammar, or word choice issues. Their focus is on adherence to APA style and to departmental style guides. The process of going through format review occurs after the defence of your dissertation or thesis.

Some students may want to have their work professionally edited as well. Adler doesn't provide that service, but we do have information on freelance editors you may choose to contact.

Dissertation and Theses Format Review
Visit this page to view your program's theses/dissertations templates, guidebooks, or handbooks. Select your program from the top navigation menu tabs.

Format Review Process

1. Your advisor will tell you when you are ready to submit your dissertation or thesis for format review.

2. Submit your dissertation or thesis to the Writing Center at clt@adler.edu to begin the process.

Email your dissertation or thesis in its final format (including your reference section) as an attachment in Word or as a PDF.
Attached to the same email, include a Word or PDF document of only your references

3. The Writing Center will assign a format reviewer and send them your files. Assignments are made during business hours, CT, and are not made on Chicago-campus holidays.

4. The Writing Center will send you an email confirming receipt and providing the name and email address of your reviewer.

5. Allow 10 business days for the first round of format review. Dissertations that are 275-400 pages have a 12 business day turnaround. Dissertations over 400 pages have a 14 business day turnaround.

6. Your reviewer will let you know of issues that need to be addressed.

Reviewers will note and correct minor errors in track changes so that students can quickly make these small corrections. These will not be added to the feedback documents that reviewers provide to students.

7. When you have made the corrections, resubmit the document to your format reviewer.

8. When the format review is complete, the reviewer will notify you via email and will send you a signed clearance form.

Thesis & Dissertation Submission Process

Chicago & Online

When you have no more format corrections to make to your thesis or dissertation, you'll get an email from your format reviewer letting you know the process is complete.
Depending on your program, you will receive a separate email from administrative staff with instructions for uploading your work to ProQuest.
After you've uploaded your thesis or dissertation, ProQuest will send an auto-alert to administrative staff that the work has been uploaded.
Administrative staff will notify your chair and request final approval that the correct version of your work was added to ProQuest. You will be copied on this communication.
When your chair gives final approval, administrative staff will notify the registrar that the degree conferral process can begin. You will be copied on this communication.

Vancouver

When you have no more format corrections to make to your thesis or dissertation, you'll get an email from your format reviewer letting you know the process is complete.
Depending on your program, you will receive a separate email from administrative staff with instructions for uploading your work to ProQuest.
After you've uploaded your thesis or dissertation, ProQuest will send an auto-alert to administrative staff that the work has been uploaded.
Send a PDF of your thesis or dissertation to vanlibrary@adler.edu with a signed copy of the Non-Exclusive Licence Form for your thesis or dissertation to be submitted to Theses Canada.
Administrative staff will notify your chair and request final approval that the correct version of your work was added to ProQuest. You will be copied on this communication.
When your chair gives final approval, your chair will notify the registrar to begin the degree conferral process. You will be copied on this communication.

Chicago: Handbooks and Templates by Program

PhDAT Dissertation Template

The Counseling and Integrated Programs format guide and templates below are for MA students who chose to complete a thesis for the following Chicago campus programs:

CMHC
MACR
MACF/FMHL
MASH/MSHP

Online Campus: Dissertation Handbooks and PhD Student Canvas Page

Online Campus Dissertation Handbook 2025

Online Campus PhD Student Center (Canvas)

Vancouver: Handbooks and Templates by Program

MACP Thesis Handbook
Updated June 2024
MACP/Vancouver Thesis Format Template