Help Desk

Information Technology

Thesis and Your Senior Year

Need help formatting your thesis? We now have Drop-In Thesis Formatting hours for Spring 2024:  Wednesdays and Thursdays 5:30pm-6:30pm! Can't make it? Stop by the Help Desk for some in-person support or email cus@reed.edu!

It's your senior year, and you likely have questions about entering the Land of Thesis. This page is intended to help make your senior year, particularly the technical aspects of writing your thesis, go as smoothly as possible. If you have questions about anything on these pages, email Computer User Services, call us at x7525, or come visit our Help Desk on the first floor of the ETC.

Thesis Templates

What is a Thesis Template?

One of the first terms you might encounter this year is "thesis template." The thesis templates are pre-made documents in which to write your thesis, so that it is formatted correctly for the Library and Registrar's Office. CUS provides downloadable templates for both Word and LaTeX. Start writing your thesis in the template from the beginning. It takes time to learn how to use the templates--do not wait until the very end to move your thesis to the template! 

The thesis template is not just pre-formatted document, it is also an introduction and tutorial to writing your thesis in your program of choice. Before you try to begin writing in the template, take the time to read it!

For in-person help using the thesis templates, drop-in consulting is available any time the Help Desk is open. Or you can email CUS or call us at x7525. The sooner you come and talk to us with questions, the better!

Helpful Resources

Life After Thesis

Believe it or not, life continues after thesis, and there are some things you should start thinking about now.