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.
QUALITATIVE GCU Dissertation Template V9.0 08-10-2020
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 “QUALITATIVE 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:
