How TAU works
TAU helps universities put their existing formatting and accessibility requirements into practice in Microsoft Word and LaTeX. Requirements can apply across the university or to a particular degree, school or program.
TAU builds those requirements into active templates that support formatting and checks throughout writing. The institution reviews the customized templates before they are made available through its subscription.
From requirements to submitted manuscripts
1. University sets formatting and accessibility requirements
Based on existing thesis and dissertation requirements for the university, school or program.
2. TAU builds university requirements into Word and LaTeX
Microsoft Word
TAU Format add-in
LaTeX
TAU Format package
Customized university requirements in most common writing environments
3. TAU provides automated formatting support and feedback during writing
Write and revise
Format and check
Review and correct
Repeat as needed
Automated formatting and review, accessibility checks, and guidance for corrections.
4. Universities publish uniformly formatted and more accessible theses and dissertations
Less reformatting for students. Easier review for staff.
Institutional requirements in Word and LaTeX
TAU supplies a customized active template for each writing environment. Both reflect the applicable university requirements, with tools and checks suited to how manuscripts are prepared in each.
Microsoft Word
What the institution receives
TAU supplies the Word add-in with an active template customized to the institution’s formatting and accessibility requirements. The template preserves the look of the institution’s existing Word template.
How manuscripts begin
Students can start a new manuscript or bring an existing draft into the institution’s format. They continue writing and revising in Word.
How formatting is checked
Students and staff run on-demand reviews against supported requirements and use available corrections and guidance to address findings. They can repeat reviews throughout writing and before submission.
LaTeX
What the institution receives
TAU supplies a LaTeX project containing a university-specific TAU-enabled template, the TAU Format package, and setup and compilation instructions. The project is configured for the institution’s formatting and accessibility requirements.
How manuscripts begin
Students begin in the supplied project or manually transfer existing content into the corresponding sections, adapting their LaTeX code where needed.
How formatting is checked
TAU checks supported requirements automatically during compilation and reports findings for students and staff to review. Check coverage depends on the template and package version and the supported compilation setup.
Maintained as requirements change
TAU maintains the institution’s Word and LaTeX templates and updates both when formatting or accessibility requirements change. The institution continues to define its requirements, while TAU keeps the supplied templates and checks aligned with them.