Beginning in 2009, Graduate students could submit their theses or dissertations electronically through a Library Services digital project (now referred to as Cornerstone). These electronic submissions are referred to as ETDs or Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Minnesota State University, Mankato uses the ProQuest ETD Administrator to manage its ETD submissions, which are then available in Cornerstone. The guide below will help you to navigate the process of submitting your thesis, dissertation, APP or capstone project electronically.
For all theses and dissertations, you are required to send two copies of your thesis or dissertation to the University Archives and the Library. In place of submitting two print copies, you can submit a single, electronic version to be displayed in the University's Institutional Repository called Cornerstone. To submit an electronic version, you will use the ProQuest ETD Administrator and the processes established by the Office of Graduate Studies. A step-by-step guide on how to submit your thesis or dissertation electronically through the ProQuest ETD Administrator is found below. PLEASE NOTE: All theses and dissertation submitted electronically will be full-text searchable immediately unless an Embargo (see step 7c for Access Options in the step-by-step guide) has been placed on your work.
Please note that this process may take several weeks to be completed. Once the Officee of Graduate Studies approves the thesis or dissertation, the final approved version will be sent to the Digital Initiatives Librarian for inclusion into Cornerstone. The Digital Initiatives Librarian cannot approve theses, dissertations or requirements needed for graduation.
If you have questions about the submission process for theses and dissertations or questions on graduation, you can contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 507-389-2321 or through email at grad@mnsu.edu.
If you have questions about Cornerstone, you can contact Heidi Southworth, Digital Initiatives Librarian at 507-389-5066 or heidi.southworth@mnsu.edu.
Copies of APPs (Alternative Plan Papers) or other Capstone Projects are not required to be submitted to the Library or to the College of Graduate Studies via the ProQuest ETD Administrator, but we highly encourage you to consider adding them to Cornerstone. There is NO deadline for submitting your APP to Cornerstone.
To submit your APP, please email Heidi Southworth Digital Initiatives Librarian at heidi.southworth@mnsu.edu a final draft of your APP or capstone project and include the following information:
