FAQS

Rasmussen University asks students in some graduate programs to submit their final graduate project to the Proquest Dissertation and Theses database prior to graduation. Currently, only Doctor of Nursing (DNP) students need to do this.

Be prepared for your submission:

• Have your project saved as a PDF file.
• Make sure you have your signature page saved as a PDF file.You will need to upload this as a supplemental file.
• You will be asked to copy and paste your abstract into the form. Have your abstract handy.
• Please make sure that "nursing" is added as a "subject category"
• You will be asked to provide up to six keywords that accurately describe your project. They should be different than the subject category or categories you select.
• If you had to receive special copyright permission (for example, to use another author's image or evaluation tool) and it is not included in your project paper, be prepared to upload the permission document.
• Decide if you want to register the copyright to your project.
• Decide if you want to purchase a professionally bound print copy of your project

Important notice: The library does not provide guidance on whether you should register the copyright for your graduate project.  Use the resources below to make an educated decision.

• Why copyright?
• Copyright and Your Dissertation or Thesis: Ownership, Fair Use, and Your Rights and Responsibilities
• Does the author receive a royalty for sales?
• What are my ownership rights to my thesis/dissertation?
• Does ProQuest Dissertation Publishing require exclusive distribution rights?
• U.S. Copyright Office Registration of Literary Works

To submit your paper to PQDT:

1. Navigate to http://www.etdadmin.com/rasmussen
2. Create an account.
3. The first decision you have to make is if you want to choose traditional or open access publishing. Traditional publishing is the most common.
4. If you do not want your project to be discoverable in major search engines, click Show More and check the box at the bottom of the page.
5. Next you will need to accept/sign the agreement of the publishing method that you choose.
6. Proceed through the next steps to enter information about yourself and your project.
7. Indicate if you would like Proquest to register the copyright of your project. You can decide to do this on your own through the U.S. Copyright Office, even after submitting your paper to Proquest. There is still a registration fee even if you decide to do it yourself. https://www.copyright.gov/about/fees.html Reminder: the library does not provide advice or assistance with this process.
8. Finally, decide if you would like to purchase a bound print copy of your graduate project.

Once you have completed your submission, your graduate program will be notified and will be in contact if they have any questions or concerns. You will be sent an email once your project has been sent to Proquest.

Additional FAQs

• How soon after I submit my dissertation or thesis will it be available via ProQuest?
• Will my paper show up in a Google Scholar search?
• If I am asked to make changes by the Graduate School or my committee, is there an option to resubmit?