How to Prepare and Submit the Proposal for Culminating Experience

Before You Begin

1. Update Adobe Acrobat
   Make sure you are using the latest version of Adobe Acrobat.
   Tip: Sign in using your SFSU user ID and password.
2. Use Google Chrome
   Complete all steps using the Chrome browser.

Complete the PCE Form

3. Go to the Culminating Experience webpage.
4. Select the appropriate course:
   • 895: Field Study or Applied Research (entered program Fall 2025 and after)
   • 898: Thesis (entered program before Fall 2025)
5. Complete the PCE form:
   • Open the form in Chrome.
   • Fill it out online (do not handwrite anything — handwritten forms will not be accepted).
   • When finished, click Print.
   • Change the printer destination to Save as PDF.
   • Save the PDF to your computer.

Review with Your Committee

6. See the Graduate Student Handbook for information about creating a thesis committee.
7. Email the completed PDF to your committee for review and feedback.
8. Make any required revisions.
9. Once the form is finalized and no further changes are needed, proceed to submission.
10. Sign the form before uploading to the Online PCE Submission Portal.

Submit the Form Online

9. Go to the Online PCE Submission Portal.
10. On the signature page:
    • Click the paperclip icon.
    • Upload your completed PCE form.
11. Double-check that all required documents have been uploaded.
12. Fill in all required fields and click Submit.
13. Enter the name and email address of:
    • Each committee member
    • The Graduate Coordinator (Mohammad Azadpur; azad@sfsu.edu)
14. Click Submit again.

Final Steps

15. You will receive an email from Adobe Sign asking you to confirm your email address.
16. After you confirm:
    • The form will automatically be sent to your committee for review and signatures.
    • Once fully approved, you will receive a finalized copy by email.
17. Save the final approved form for your records.