Helping your reader get the message

TextHeadings and titlesGraphicsSimple separators (lines and boxes)

White space

Figures and tablesTitles of sectionsTitles of figures and tablesHeadings

Serif – for longer blocks of text that are up close to the reader.

Sans-serif – for text that will be projected or seen from a distance.

Convert documents to PDF (Portable Document File) to preserve formatting.

When sharing documents for review (before they are finalized), use Track Changes in MS Word – don’t convert to PDF until final draft.

Document Paper and covers Single-sided? Margins

Sections Start on right-facing pages? Use line or other graphic

device? Headings and

Subheadings Position Font & size & characteristics

Main Text Font Paragraph indentation? Line spacing

Page Numbering Where on page? What font/type? Different for different sections?

Tables and Figures Integrated with text?? Where do labels go??

References Citations in parentheses in text? Reference list goes where?

Abbreviations, Acronyms, Equations Include glossary? Where? Acronyms spelled out where? Mathematical variables explained

where?

Why?

Set up a style sheet early in the process.

Learn and use Track Changes!! Name files with date and your name. Agree early on division of labor for

each assignment: research, writing, editing, graphics, etc.

Stay in good contact with each other! Respect your own deadlines.

Post project idea on Message Board by noon on Monday, Feb. 1.

Respond to at least one other person’s idea by noon on Wed., Feb. 3.You may change ideas based on feedback in lab and on message board.Post project topic in your own words, even if you plan to partner. Do state at end the name of potential partner.

• Write a 2-3 sentence description of a real sustainability problem/issue in the region or on campus.

• Name the experts whom you will interview for information on the problem and possible solutions.

• Identify which grants you will apply for (see the posted RFPs).

This first section of your proposal describes the sustainability problem you will study solutions for. The problem must be local and real.

Identify experienced professionals who have some idea about the real problem and possible solutions. Base your description on: Interviews with the subject-matter expert (SME) Published sources of information

Define sustainability on the basis of the actual problem/need AND your research.