Electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) are digital representations of the traditional work by a graduate student in fulfillment of requirements for a graduate degree. An ETD can be a simple textual document converted to a standard electronic format, such as Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), or a complex combination of images and formats. VCU has been accepting ETD's on a pilot and voluntary basis since 2002. As of fall 2009, students are required to submit their theses or dissertations electronically to the Graduate School.
VCU's theses and dissertations are records of permanent, enduring value and will remain available indefinitely. The ETDs are stored on a secure server, with digital copies kept in a second location. The VCU Libraries will periodically migrate all ETDs as the hardware and software environment evolves. The most reliable means to ensure that your work will be able to be used in the future is to use the recommended formats.
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