University Regulations

Existing regulations and supporting documentation relating to the submission of theses and dissertations should be checked to identify where changes are required.

Regulations from universities which already accept ETDs may be consulted for ideas of alternative wording.

The, potentially lengthy, procedure and timescale involved in having suggested changes to regulations accepted by appropriate committees should be taken into consideration and the programme to introduce ETDs planned accordingly.

Consideration should be given as to whether ETDs will be introduced as an option initially – or as a mandatory requirement.

Consideration should be given as to whether electronic theses will be accepted in a format which does not allow for a paper equivalent – or whether a paper copy is still required for archiving purposes.

The 'Electronic Theses' project recommends that no option is given to allow students to limit access to their theses to only on-campus use. Full access via the Web should be encouraged. Where an embargo is put in place this must comply with legal requirements, such as the 'Freedom of Information Act'.

A plan should be put in place to ensure that changes to the regulations are adequately publicised after they have been formally agreed.