Thesis restrictions (embargoes)

Because University of Waterloo is a publicly funded institution, the University has a mandate to disseminate research. Occasionally, a student may wish or require that their thesis' circulation be restricted for a period of time, as required by a publisher or due to a patent submission.

The University will not consent to any restrictions being placed upon the circulation or availability of a thesis following its deposit to UWSpace, unless a student's interests (e.g., patent rights) would be jeopardized by publication.

In the case where a student’s interests would be jeopardized by publication:

• The publication of the thesis within UWSpace can be delayed for a period of four months, one year, or two years from the date of UWSpace approval. These restrictions should be discussed and agreed upon between the student and supervisor(s) at the time of defence. The student must select the appropriate restriction option from the drop-down list located under the "Restriction Terms" title on the "Describe Item" page in the UWSpace submission interface. The restriction start date is always the date the thesis is archived to UWSpace.
• Any request for extension to an approved restriction must be submitted using the Request to restrict circulation of thesis form (Graduate Studies forms website), and must be received in Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs at least two months before the date of release. If no further extension is requested or approved, the thesis will be released in UWSpace.