Thesis Planning Winter 2015

A Quick Reference for Thesis Planning

Prepare your Computer

  • Use a current version of Microsoft Office/Word. Download and apply all available updates (Windows – Microsoft Office 2010/2013/365 | Mac – Microsoft Office 2011)
  • Download and Install all the updates that are available for your computer’s operating system (Microsoft Windows 7, 8 | Apple OS X – 10.10 Yosemite)
  • The Microsoft Office Suite is now available to students for free. To get started, go to http://www.office.com/getoffice365 and follow the instructions

Plan your Document

Even before starting your thesis on the computer, you should give some thought and preparation. Make a sketch on paper to get an idea of how you want the finished document to look.

One Large File or Multiple Files

When producing a large document it is worth considering whether it should consist of one large file or several smaller files, which can be assembled at the end of the process. The main consideration is, that if a single, large document becomes damaged, you could lose everything.

  • Assemble separate files at the end of the process
  • Large files can become corrupted/damaged and slow

Naming your documents/files

When naming your chapters/sections, keep non-current copies in an “old” folder. Use dates in the file name and avoid using multiple “Chapter 1” files.

Keep it all together

Centralize your materials, keep like documents together, and keep your data together and organized. Wait until the very end of the process to merge your multiple files together.

Attend a workshop to learn how to use technology tools to simplify the publishing process!

 Ask question from the experts

Utilize Word Processing Tools

Use the word processing tools that area available to you to simplify and automate your publishing process.

Miscellaneous

  • Use Bibliographic Software, such as EndNote to manage your references.
  • Use Adobe InDesign for complicated layouts. Please visit the Imaging and Computing Center for assistance with Adobe InDesign.

Backup your Thesis

Remember to Backup your Thesis!

There are several options available to you for backing your thesis.

  • Bates Google Docs/Drive – Unlimited Storage!!!
  • Paris/Netapp Bates Network Storage – 50MB
  • Dropbox Free Account – 2GB
  • USB Memory Sticks
  • External Hard Drives

Backup Tips

  • Save your Thesis in sections – (Chapter 1, 2, 3 = File/Doc 1, 2, 3)
  • Save your Thesis in multiple locations
  • Keep a backup in a different geographical location

Tips for Getting Help and Printing

Need Technical Help with Your Thesis? Ready to Print?

  • If you need assistance with troubleshooting your thesis, resolving technical problems with your computer or need advance help with your word processing software, don’t hesitate to visit Help Desk Services in the George and Helen Ladd Library. You may also call or email us at: (207) 786-8222 | helpdesk@bates.edu.
  • The best time to visit Help Desk Services is during the early morning hours (8am – 11am)
  • When visiting Help Desk Services, bring your computer with you

Ready to Print?

  • The best time to print is during the early morning hours (8am – 11am) and during the mid-afternoon (3pm – 5pm)
  • Anticipate lines, build in extra time for problems, and don’t hesitate in asking for Help!
  • Black and White printing is available in Ladd Library, Pettengill Hall, Coram Library, Hedge Hall, Roger Williams Hall
  • Color printing is available in Ladd Library, Coram Library, and Hedge Hall, RM G18
    • Print color documents responsibility
    • Printing in color is slower then printing in B/W

Attend a Thesis Help Session!

  • Thursday, March 26, 2015  |  6pm to 10pm  |  Ladd Library
  • Wednesday, April 8, 2015  |  6pm to 10pm  |  Ladd Library

Thesis Workshops – Winter 2015

Using Styles in Microsoft Office
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 – 4:15pm to 5pm, Ladd Library, RM 148
In Microsoft Word, a style is a collection of formatting characteristics – such as font name, size, color, paragraph alignment and spacing. Some styles even include borders and shading. Styles save you time and make your document look good and consistent throughout. Instead of using separate formatting options, use styles to format your document so you can quickly and easily apply a set of formatting choices to your document.

Working with Sections and Page Numbering in Microsoft Office
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 – 4:15pm to 5pm, Ladd Library, RM 148
With the use of sections you can divide a document into any number of sections (chapters) and format each section independently /or/ linked to a previous section. In addition to the use of sections, come learn about Page Numbering, and how Sections and Page Numbering can work together.

Creating a Table of Contents (TOC) in Microsoft Office
Thursday, March 12, 2015 – 4:15pm to 5pm, Ladd Library, RM 148
Through the use of Styles, come learn how simple it can be to instantly create a Table of Contents (TOC), and how the TOC can easily be updated with just a couple of mouse clicks.