Updated: by GC SST Summer 2021
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Section 1: Format Requirements for Font Size, Style, and Type and Spacing
Font size, style, and type:
o The font must be a standard style that is clear and readable. Script, cursive, and
pictorial fonts are prohibited.
o All document text with the exception of items embedded in figures must be black.
o Font size should be 11 or 12 point.
o Italicized fonts are only accepted where allowed or required by your chosen style
guide (Chicago, APA, ASA, MLA, etc.)
o Font size and font type must be consistent throughout the text.
o Chapter titles and sections can be a larger font size than the standard text, if in
accordance with the student’s approved style guide and advisory committee. This
style decision must be applied consistently throughout the text.
o The font size of tables and figures can be smaller than the standard text if in
accordance with the student’s style guide and advisory committee. This style decision
must be applied consistently throughout the text. Font cannot be at less than 8 point
to allow for readability.
Spacing:
o The document must be double spaced.
o The only exceptions are: captions; foot-notes; long quotations; bibliographic
references; table titles and descriptions; figure titles and descriptions;
inserted materials such as tables, images, diagrams, graphs, etc.; and the
author’s curriculum vitae.
o Extended direct quotations must be handled according to the rules of your chosen
style guide and the direction of your advisory committee.
o Paragraphs should be indented the same number of spaces throughout the document,
and spacing between paragraphs should be consistent.
o Spacing around titles, headings, and subheadings should be consistent and match
the student’s chosen style guide.