\documentclass[12pt]{yalephd}

\author{Ima Student}
\title{My Dissertation}
\date{May 2005}
\advisor{Jack Professor}

\begin{document}
\frontmatter
\begin{abstract}
A short statement about the thesis of the dissertation.
\end{abstract}
\maketitle
\makecopyright
\tableofcontents
\listoffigures
\listoftables

\mainmatter

\chapter{Introduction}

Here is where the main body of the disseration, including any figures or tables, is typed. Don't forget to properly cite \cite{cite01}.

\backmatter
\chapter*{Appendix}

Here is where any appendices and the bibliography are.

\begin{thebibliography}{99}
\bibitem{cite01} Here is a bibliography item.
\end{thebibliography}

\end{document}