Protocols
Thesis or Dissertation General Format
Mississippi State University emphasizes the importance of conducting research to its ultimate conclusion, which is publication in a medium accessible to the discipline. Thus, the thesis or dissertation may be written in a format acceptable to publication outlets in the candidate's discipline if that is the format chosen by the degree-granting unit, e.g., the department, school, or college.
Material Previously Published by the Candidate
Material previously published by the candidate may be included, although if used in the body of the thesis or dissertation, it must be integrated into the text of the document. Such previously published material must have been originally written as part of the candidate's degree program.
Material Copyrighted by Others
As explained elsewhere in this publication, Mississippi State University sends all dissertations and theses to University Microfilms International, where they are microfilmed and made available to scholars. Abstracts are published in Dissertation Abstracts. For this reason, permission of the copyright holder is required if substantial amounts of copyrighted material are included. A "substantial amount" means a direct quotation of 150 words or more. Failure to gain permission to reproduce copyrighted material in advance can delay the microfilming and binding process, and may lead to legal difficulties. By complying with the following requirements, candidates may prevent charges of copyright infringement from arising later.
Candidates are expected to abide by the statement "Preparing Your Manuscript for Microfilming," published by University Microfilms International:
As author, you must certify (by signing the University Microfilms International Agreement form) that any copyrighted material used in your work beyond brief excerpts, is with the written permission of the copyrighted owner, and that you will save and hold harmless University Microfilms International from any damages which may arise from copyright violations.
In addition, both University Microfilms and Mississippi State University require a statement from the copyright owner, giving the author permission to use copyrighted material and giving University Microfilms permission to proceed under the contract stated on it's agreement form. This statement must be attached to the University Microfilms for. When permission does not accompany the document for obviously copyrighted material (e.g., tables, figures, and pictures contained in appendices), University Microfilms contacts the author to request that permission. If permission is not forthcoming, University Microfilms will not microfilm the document. Documents with material of questionable copyright status may be microfilmed, but the microfilm will be made available only to the author.
Material Restricted from Publication
Thesis and dissertation documents must not include material restricted from publication by legal or proprietary considerations.
Copyrighting the Graduate Degree Document
Copyrighting of theses and dissertation is optional. If students desire such protection of their original work, the necessary application form may be obtained from and processed through the Thesis and Dissertation Office in Mitchell Memorial Library (662-325-2170, email: shall@library.msstate.edu). It is recommended that students give serious consideration to copyrighting their work. A receipt for the payment of the copyright fee must be submitted with the application.
Microfilming the Graduate Degree Document
All theses and dissertations must be microfilmed. The necessary application form may be obtained from and processed through the Thesis and Dissertation Office in Mitchell Memorial Library. A receipt for the payment of the microfilming fee must be submitted with the application.
Protocols for Human Subject Research
Students desiring to utilize surveys, experiments, or other instruments involving human subjects must have prior approval from the University's Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects. Contact Sponsored Programs Administration (662-325-7404) for the name of the Board's Chairperson and appropriate approval forms.
Protocols for Animal Subject Research
Students intending to use vertebrate animals in teaching, testing, or research must contact the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee prior to collecting any data. Contact the Office of Research (662-325-3570) for the name of the Committee Chairperson and appropriate approval forms.
Other Required Protocols
Students wishing to use radioactive materials, recombinant DNA, or bloodborne pathogens in their research must gain prior approval from the appropriate university official. For current information, contact the Environmental Safety Office (662-325-3294).
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