Writer's Guide

This guide for writers was developed by University Communications to assist those writing on behalf of Western. The guide promotes clarity and consistency in official campus communications, both print and digital.

This guide includes standards for grammar, punctuation, inclusion and the spellings of common campus names. We typically follow the Associated Press Stylebook (AP style), with a few noted exceptions. Those who write frequently on behalf of the university may consider picking up a copy of the Associated Press Stylebook. This guide is updated regularly.
 

Questions or Suggestions?

Contact Mary Gallagher:

mary.gallagher@wwu.edu

360-650-3617

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-

-wide

Generally, no hyphen, as in worldwide, nationwide. But exceptions include campus-wide, university-wide.

A

a.m., p.m.

See times.

abbreviations and acronyms

Spell out on first reference and use only abbreviations or acronyms that readers will easily recognize.

Generally, include the periods in two-letter abbreviations such as U.S. and a.m. Abbreviations with three or more letters generally have no periods. CFPA, ATUS. However, Associated Students is AS on second reference, per their own style. 

A few abbreviations and acronyms are so well-known on campus that they may be used on first reference, and have their own entries in the style guide.

academic and administrative titles

Capitalize titles when they appear before a person’s name: President Sabah Randhawa, Associate Professor Nicole Larson. Do not capitalize titles that appear after a name: Sabah Randhawa, president of Western Washington University; Nicole Larson, associate professor of engineering and design

An exception: Capitalize a named professorship as in Karen Stout, Bowman Distinguished Professor of Leadership Studies, or Art Sherwood, David Cole Professor of Entrepreneurship. Shortened titles are often appropriate, such as in headlines or tabular material: Bowman Professor, etc.

academic areas

Don’t capitalize the names of majors, minors and other areas of instruction except for proper nouns: engineering, English, linguistics, computer science, French.

Capitalize the official names of university offices, divisions, departments, programs, etc.: the Engineering Department, the Neuroscience Program

academic degrees

Capitalize official names of academic degrees. Western awards the following degrees:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts in Education
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Education
  • Master of Fine Arts
  • Master of Music
  • Master of Professional Accounting
  • Master of Science
  • Master in Teaching
  • Clinical Doctorate in Audiology
  • Master of Arts

Shortened forms, such as bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctorate, etc., are lowercase and acceptable in all references. Avoid abbreviations such as M.A. or B.S. in text in favor of the more descriptive bachelor’s degree in mathematics, etc.  MBA is acceptable in all references.

academic rank

Not all faculty members are professors. If you must use a faculty member’s academic rank, ask them, or check the online campus directory.

accent marks

Use accent marks and other diacritical marks in the names of people who request them or those who are widely known to use them.

accessible parking

Use instead of handicapped parking. See inclusion.

active voice

Avoid passive verbs and sentence structures. Passive: It is estimated by astronomers that there are at least 500 billion galaxies in the observable universe. Active: Astronomers estimate there are at least 500 billion galaxies in the observable universe.

addresses

Always use figures for the address number. With numbered addresses, use the abbreviations Ave., Blvd. and St., as in 516 High St.

Always spell out similar words such as alley, drive, road, terrace, circle, etc. 214 Highland Drive, South Garden Terrace.

Abbreviate compass points in numbered addresses. 135 S. Garden Terrace.

For more information, see the “addresses” entry in the Associated Press Stylebook

administrative divisions

adviser, advisor

In general usage, adviser, with an e, is one who gives advice or guidance. But advisor, with an o, is also acceptable, given its widespread use in academic settings. Ensure all spellings are consistent. Adviser is recommended for most external audiences: Materials produced for external audiences by University Communications and Marketing will use adviser.

ages

Always use figures.

alt text

Use alt text to capture purpose and context for images. Don't use WWU in alt text; Western is much easier for those using assistive technologies. 

See Western's Accessibility Guide for more on best practices in writing alt text.

alum, alums

May be used in very informal settings. See alumna, alumnae, alumnus, alumni.

alumna, alumnae, alumnus, alumni

An alumna is one woman who attended; alumnae is a group of women;

An alumnus is a man who attended; and alumni is a group of men -- or a group that includes at least one man.  

Western considers all former students to be alumni. Not all alumni are graduates.

Note that none of these terms are inclusive of those with non-binary genders. Other alternatives might be former students or alumnx.

See class years.

ampersand

Do not use as a replacement for and in text.

The ampersand may be used in the names of colleges at Western if space is limited, such as in titles and headlines. College of Sciences & Technology, etc.

Ampersands are acceptable when they are part of a formal name or composition title: the Hacherl Research & Writing Studio, AT&T.

annual

An event that has been held for at least two consecutive years. There is no such thing as first annual.

antisemitism

apartment advisor

Peer advisers in apartment-style residence halls. AA is acceptable on first references in University Housing materials, when audiences are likely to be familiar with the abbreviation. For external audiences use only the full title, apartment advisor. See adviser, advisor

apostrophe

See possessives and class years

athletics

Capitalize Western Athletics when referring to Western’s intercollegiate sports programs. Do not capitalize the names of athletic teams, except in titles, graphics, etc. Western has 15 varsity teams:

  • men’s basketball
  • men’s cross country
  • men’s golf
  • men’s soccer
  • men’s track and field
  • men’s indoor track and field
  • women’s basketball
  • women’s cross country
  • women’s softball
  • women’s rowing
  • women’s golf
  • women’s soccer
  • women’s track and field
  • women’s indoor track and field
  • women’s volleyball

A

AA

See apartment advisor

Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center

Created by the merger of two former offices: Academic Advising Center and Student Outreach Services. 

For internal audiences, AASAC is acceptable on second reference. 

Academic Coordinating Committee

ACC on second reference if the primary audience is likely to be familiar with the abbreviation.

Academic Instructional Center

AIC on second reference. The building includes the Psychology Department, the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department and the Speech Language Hearing Clinic.

Academic Instructional Center West

AIC West on second reference. The building includes lecture halls and computer labs and is joined to the Academic Instructional Center by a sky bridge.  

Academic Technology and User Services

Widely known on campus by its abbreviation, ATUS is acceptable on first reference for on-campus audiences.

Academy for Lifelong Learning

The Outreach and Continuing Education program offering academic and cultural programming for retirees may be referred to as ALL on second reference.

Accounting Department or Department of Accounting

Active Minds Changing Lives

Western’s former tagline. Outdated; do not use. See brand.wwu.edu for guidance on branding, including tagline and logo usage.

ADMCS

Outdated name. Former abbreviation for what is now Enterprise Application Services.

Administrative Computing Services

Outdated name. Use Enterprise Application Services. EAS is acceptable on second reference if your audience is likely to be familiar with the abbreviation.

Administrative Services

Administrative building located on 32nd Street, near the Sehome Village shopping center.

Admissions, Office of

Admissions Office is also acceptable.

Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Center

AMSEC is acceptable on second reference, but use care with external audiences who may not be familiar with the acronym.

Advising & Registration Sessions

Quarterly events for new students. Use A&R on second reference, such as Fall A&R, Winter A&R, etc.  Do not use previous event names: Summerstart, Transitions, Fall Advising & Orientation, etc.

Alumni House

American Cultural Studies Program

AmeriCorps

Anthropology Department or Department of Anthropology

Aramark

The company that provides food service at Western. Locations are:

  • The Atrium (Arntzen Hall)
  • Buchanan Towers Station
  • Fairhaven Commons
  • Freshens Fresh Food Studio (Carver)
  • Miller Market
  • The Haven Market (Arntzen Hall)
  • Oath Pizza (Arntzen Hall)
  • Panda Express (Viking Union)
  • Ridgeway Commons
  • Rock’s Edge Cafe (Student Rec Center)
  • Starbucks
  • Subway (Viking Union)
  • Subway at The Atrium (Arntzen Hall)
  • Underground Coffeehouse (Viking Union)
  • Viking Commons
  • Viking Union Cafe
  • Viking Union Market
  • Zoe’s Bookside Bagels

Archives Building

See  Goltz-Murray Archives Building.

Armory, the

Arntzen Hall

Art and Art History Department or Department of Art and Art History

Art Annex

Asia University America Program

AUAP is acceptable on second reference, but use care with external audiences who may not be familiar with the abbreviation.

Associated Students

Acceptable on first reference. Use full name, Associated Students of Western Washington University, when needed for clarity for off-campus audiences. Use AS on second reference

ATUS

Widely known abbreviation for Academic Technology and User Services. Acceptable on first reference for on-campus audiences.

B

Back2Bellingham

Outdated name. See WWU Alumni Weekend

Behavioral Neuroscience Program

Biology building

Biology Department or Department of Biology

Birnam Wood

Black

Capitalize Black when referring to race, ethnicity or cultural heritage. When an individual’s race is relevant to mention in a story, ask how they describe their own identity. See inclusion.

Bond Hall

Border Policy Research Institute

BPRI on second reference.

Bremerton

See Western Washington University at Bremerton.

Buchanan Towers

Business and Economics, College of

CBE on second reference

B

biennial

Occurring once every two years, as in biennial budget. Two-year budget is also acceptable.

board of directors

Capitalize only when part of a formal name. The WWU Foundation Board of Directors. The question is up to the board of directors.

board of trustees

Capitalize in all instances when referring to Western’s governing board, or when part of the official name of another organization’s governing board. See trustee.

bookstore

Western Associated Students Bookstore; bookstore on second reference.

bus, buses

Transportation vehicles. Busses are kisses.

C

Campus Services building

Administrative building that includes the Student Health Center and the University Police Department.

Canada House

Canadian-American Studies, Center for

Career Services Center

Carver

Academic building that includes Carver Academic Facility, Carver Gymnasium, WECU Court at Carver Gymnasium, classrooms, offices and labs.

Center for Community Learning

Center for Pacific Northwest Studies

Archival collections covering the region from Alaska to Northern California to the Rocky Mountains, with a particular focus on northwest Washington, the Olympic Peninsula, British Columbia and Alaska. Part of Western Libraries and located in the Goltz-Murray Archives Building. CPNWS is acceptable on second reference.

Center for Service-Learning

Outdated. See Center for Community Learning.

CEO

Acceptable in all references to chief executive officer.

Chemistry building

Use Morse Hall  

Chemistry Department or Department of Chemistry

City Hall

Capitalize when referring to a specific city’s city hall, even when the city isn’t mentioned: The lecture will be at City Hall.

College Hall

Commissary

Communication Sciences and Disorders Department or Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Communication Studies Department or Department of Communication Studies

Communications Facility

Communications Lawn

The name of the lawn bordered by the Communications Facility and the Academic Instructional Center. Often referred to by the abbreviated Comm Lawn in informal settings. For external audiences, consider providing a description of where it is, rather than the name alone.

Community Learning, Center for

Compass 2 Campus

Computer Science Department or Department of Computer Science

Consultation and Sexual Assault Support

Do not use. Previous name for Survivor Advocacy Services

C

catalog

chair

Title of the head of an academic department at Western. Capitalize when used before a name. Do not use chairman, chairwoman or chairperson.

city of Bellingham

class years

If it’s relevant to include the year someone graduated, set off class years by commas. Kessa Volland, ’04, said…. Include the class year only once, but it doesn’t have to appear on first reference.

More information, such as type of degree or major, may be included in the text.

Western considers all former students to be alumni. For alumni who did not earn a degree, it may be appropriate to include a class year that reflects their senior year.

Typography tip: In Microsoft Word, type any character before the apostrophe to get the “curly quote” to point in the right direction. Then delete the extra character. In other words, type x’04 to get ’04.

co-

Retain the hyphen when using co- to form nouns, adjectives and verbs that indicate occupation or status. co-editor, co-teach. See prefixes.

colons

Colons introduce lists, dialogue and clauses that provide examples, detail and illumination.

When the colon introduces an independent clause in a sentence, capitalize the first word after the colon. Theatre Professor Rich Brown encouraged you to dig down and access your muscle memory: He knew that you could get to these emotional places if you dug deep enough.

Use a colon to introduce lengthy quotations of complete sentences. Tucker frequently gets the worried question: “When is Mount Baker going blow? We’re all toast when it does, right?”

commas

Do not put a comma before the conjunction in the last item of a series (also known as an “Oxford comma”) unless it’s needed for clarity.

Use a comma after said when introducing a complete sentence in a quotation.

Use a comma after introductory phrases or words. After four years of academic Russian, I was not as fluent as I thought I should be.

But a comma may not be needed if the introductory phrase is short and the meaning would remain clear. During the summer it was brutally hot.

Use a comma before conjunctions (andorbutnorfor, yet, so) that link two independent clauses. The bus driver didn’t seem too concerned, but eventually he heeded his passengers’ pleas and stopped the bus.

If a conjunction is followed by a dependent clause, don’t use a comma. Russian students came to WWU to audit classes and tour the area.

Use a comma for most figures greater than 999, except in street addresses, room numbers, years, telephone numbers and SAT scores.

For more information, see the “comma” entry in the Punctuation chapter of the AP Stylebook.

commencement

Capitalize only when referring to a specific ceremony. Spring Commencement was held at Civic Field.

composition titles

Put quotation marks around the titles of books, movies, operas, plays, poems, albums and songs, radio and television programs, lectures, speeches and works of art.

Do not put quotations around the titles of the Bible or titles of books and other works that are primarily reference materials, such as catalogs, almanacs, directories, dictionaries, encyclopedias, gazetteers, handbooks and software titles. Also, do not place in quotes the names of newspapers or magazines.

Do not use italics.

contractions

They’re perfectly acceptable when it’s appropriate to maintain a conversational tone.

course titles

Capitalize specific course names when used in text. Next quarter she’ll take Sustainable Marketing.

General course descriptions are lowercase. She’ll take courses in marketing and environmental science.

cum laude

Do not capitalize the Latin honor for those who graduate with high GPAs.

D

dashes

En dashes, which are the width of the letter “n,” are used to denote ranges of numbers or dates. The lecture will be 3–4:30 p.m. It’s also acceptable to use words instead of dashes, as in 3 to 4 p.m. See range of time, days or dates

Em dashes, which are the width of the letter “m,” are used to indicate a strong parenthetical phrase, an abrupt change in thought, or an emphatic pause. Use sparingly. All grew up in the South, the son of an agricultural entomologist—a bug scientist—at the University of Georgia.

dates

For specific dates, abbreviate Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec., and set off years with commas. Dec. 27, 2016, was his birthday.

Do not abbreviate days of the week.

When a phrase lists only a month and a year, do not separate the year with commas. December 2016.

days of the week

Do not abbreviate. Monday, Tuesday, Friday

dead week

Colloquial term referring to the week before finals, often a time of heightened anxiety and stress. Consider calling it "prep week" instead. 

dean

Capitalize only as a formal title before a name.

decades

Use an apostrophe to indicate numerals that are left out. The ’20s. The 1990s

“Curly quotes” should point toward the missing characters, in this case, to the left.

degrees

Use an apostrophe in bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, etc. Capitalize formal names of degrees, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts. Note: associate degree. See academic degrees, doctor.

disAbility Resources for Students

Outdated name. See Disability Access Center.  

distances

Always use figures. She ran 3 miles.

diversity

See inclusion.

doctor

The formal title Dr. is generally reserved for medical doctors, surgeons, optometrists, dentists, osteopaths, podiatrists, veterinarians, etc. If it’s necessary to mention someone’s educational credentials, explain in context: Mark Bussell, who holds a doctorate in chemistry, …

dorm, dormitory

The preferred term for student housing at Western is residence hall.

double spaces between sentences

Don’t do it. One space is enough.

D

Decision Sciences Department or Department of Decision Sciences

Design Department or Department of Design

Disability Access Center

E

earth

Lowercase except as the proper name of our planet, Earth.

em dash, en dash

See dashes.

email

no hyphen.

emerita, emeritus, emeritae, emeriti

Capitalize only when part of a formal title before a name.

equal opportunity statements

Required by federal law in all print and online versions of university publications that are made available to students, applicants, employees, program participants and the public. This includes catalogs, handbooks, applications, magazines, newsletters, brochures, posters and job advertisements.

See the equal opportunity statements and guidelines.

exclamation point

Avoid overuse. Place exclamation points inside quotation marks when they are part of the quoted material.

E

East Asian Studies Program

East Asian Studies, Center for

Economics Department or Department of Economics

Edens Hall

Edens Hall North

Elementary Education Department or Department of Elementary Education

Energy Studies, Institute for

Engineering and Design Department or Department of Engineering and Design

Engineering Technology Building

Use on second reference for Ross Engineering Technology Building.

English Department or Department of English

Enterprise Application Services.

EAS is acceptable on second reference if your audience is likely to be familiar with the abbreviation.

Environment, College of the

Formerly Huxley College of the Environment.

Environmental Science Department or Department of Environmental Science

Environmental Studies building

Environmental Studies Department or Department of Environmental Studies

Ethnic Student Center

ESC is acceptable on second reference. 

Everett University Center

Location of Western’s academic programs at Everett Community College.

Extended Education

Outdated. See Outreach and Continuing Education

F

Facilities Management

For on-campus audiences, FM is acceptable on second reference.

Faculty Senate

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Fairhaven College on second reference. Not Fairhaven, to avoid confusion with the residence hall, dining hall, or district.

Fairhaven Commons

Dining hall and community center

Fairhaven Complex

Residence hall

Fairhaven Courtyard

Family Connection Newsletter

Finance and Marketing Department or Department of Finance and Marketing

Financial Aid Department

Includes the Financial Aid Services Center, the Scholarship Center and the Student Employment Center.

Fine and Performing Arts, College of

CFPA on second reference

Fine Arts building

First-year Experience Course

Stand-alone course taught in small sections for first-year students.

First-year Interest Group

A cluster of three courses, including a small seminar, available to first-year students. For internal audiences, FIG on second reference.

Fraser Hall

FTE

May be acceptable on first reference for full-time equivalent. Consider rephrasing for clarity: The equivalent of 3.6 full-time positions.

F

faculty titles

Not all faculty members are professors. If you must use a faculty member’s academic rank, verify it by asking him or her or checking the online directory.

financial aid

Capitalize the formal names of specific grants, scholarships and loans. Pell Grants, the Elyse C. Alper Scholarship for International Studies.

freshman, freshmen

All students who enter Western directly after high school are freshmen, regardless of the number of college credits they obtained through Running Start or other programs. First-year students is also acceptable.

G

gender

When writing about individuals, ask which gender pronouns they use for themselves, and use them in the story. See inclusion.

grades

Use capital letters with no quotation marks, A, B, C etc. For plurals, add ’sA’s, B’s, C’s etc. Also, Pass, No Pass, Incomplete, Withdrawal, etc.

G

General University Requirements

GUR is acceptable on second reference for audiences who are likely to be familiar with the abbreviation. Use care for other audiences; consider descriptive terms such as general education requirements for graduation.

Geology Department or Department of Geology

Global Connections

A summer youth program for international students in grades four through six who come to Western for language enrichment and other activities.

Global Engagement, Institute for

Formerly Center for International Studies

Global Humanities and Religions Department or Department of Global Humanities and Religions

Formerly called the Liberal Studies Department.

Global Learning

Study abroad programs designed and led by WWU faculty members. Offered by Western’s Institute for Global Engagement.

Goltz-Murray Archives Building

Archives Building on second reference. Houses Western’s University Archives and Records Management, the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, and the Northwest Regional Branch of the Washington State Archives.

GPA, grade-point average

Both are acceptable in all references. GPAs normally have two numbers after the decimal point, 3.25, 4.15.

Graduate School

Capitalize when referring to Western’s Graduate School.

Grandparents U

Great Northwest Athletic Conference

GNAC on second reference.

Green Energy Fee

Outdated name. See Sustainability, Equity & Justice Fund

H

Hacherl Research & Writing Studio

Part of Western Libraries and the Learning Commons, provides assistance for students in research and writing. Located in Western Libraries on the second floor of Haggard Hall. The ampersand is part of the official name and should not be spelled out.

Haggard Hall

Contains part of Western Libraries and the Spanel Planetarium.

Harrington Field

Acceptable in all references for the Robert S. Harrington Field.

Harry Potter Room

Use Wilson Library Reading Room for the name of the large room in Wilson Library, fourth floor central.

Haskell Plaza

Health and Community Studies Department or Department of Health and Community Studies

Health and Human Development Department or Department of Health and Human Development

Higginson Hall

Highland Hall

Former residence hall demolished in 2019 to make way for a new residence hall.

History Department or Department of History

Honors College

Formerly known as the Honors Program

Humanities and Social Sciences, College of

CHSS on second reference

Humanities building

Huxley College of the Environment

Former name of the College of the Environment

H

handicapped parking

Use accessible parking. See inclusion.

hyphen

Use hyphens to join compound modifiers, words that belong together to describe the noun that comes after, only if needed to avoid confusion: small-business owner, loose-knit group, chocolate chip cookie

Do not hyphenate a modifier that’s preceded by very or an -ly adverb.

Do not hyphenate compound modifiers after versions of the verb “to be.”

No need to add hyphens to a two-word modifier that is so common it’s unlikely people will misunderstand it. income tax return, heart transplant surgeon

I

illegal (n.), illegal immigrant

Avoid. Use undocumented. Or, with their permission, note they have registered for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status. See inclusion.

inclusion

While the language of inclusion is a moving target, strive to be as inclusive as possible in your writing. In general, be mindful to avoid language that may unintentionally rely on stereotypes.

Describe a person’s identity regarding gender, race, ethnicity, ability or sexual orientation only when it’s relevant to do so. And use the language the individual uses when describing themselves.

Opt for neutral alternatives to gendered language or rewrite the sentence to form a plural.

Not: Every student must turn in his final by 10 a.m.

Not: Every student must turn in his/her final by 10 a.m.

Use: Students must turn in their finals by 10 a.m.

When writing about individuals, use the gender pronouns they use for themselves. If the individual uses a pronoun that might be unfamiliar to many readers, briefly explain in the text. See this chart from Trans Student Educational Resources for examples.

Mention a person’s sexual orientation or transgender identity only if it’s relevant, the person identifies as such, and they grant permission to include it. Always ask if their sexual orientation or transgender identity is alright to mention in the story – the audience may include those to whom the individual hasn’t come out. More information: the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association stylebook or the GLAAD Media Reference Guide and GLAAD's In Focus: Covering the Transgender Community.

When a person’s race or ethnicity is relevant to the story, always ask how they describe their own identity. Do not hyphenate noun or adjective forms of ethnic classifications such as African American, Asian American, etc. Capitalize Black when referring to people's race, ethnicity or cultural heritage. If people identify as IndigenousNative American, American Indian or First Nations, ask if they would also prefer to be identified by specific tribal affiliation or heritage. If they use a non-gendered format, such as Latino/a or Latinx, consider explaining it in the story if readers are unlikely to be familiar with the term.

Avoid illegal (n.) or illegal immigrant to describe people in the U.S. without legal documentation. Use undocumented students or undocumented immigrants, or, with their permission, specify that they have registered for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status, DACA on second reference.

When information about someone’s disability status is essential, always ask the individual what language they use. Many people, but not all, prefer to place the emphasis on the person, not the disability: people with disabilities, not the disabled. More information: Guidelines for Writing About People with Disabilities from the ADA National network and the Disability Language Style Guide from the National Center on Disability in Journalism.  

To learn more, review The Diversity Style Guide, curated by the Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism at San Francisco State University.

Finally, only groups of people, not individuals, can be described as diverse.

international students

Not foreign students.

internet

I

Intensive English Program

IEP on second reference, for audiences who are likely to be familiar with the abbreviation.

International Studies, Center for

See Global Engagement, Institute for

J

Journalism Department or Department of Journalism

K

Karen W. Morse Institute for Leadership

L

Law, Diversity and Justice, Center for

Leadership Studies Program

LEADS

Acceptable on first reference for Western’s student leadership program. The full name is Leaders Engage in Action, Discernment and Skills Building and may be included later in the text if needed for clarity or detail.

Liberal Studies Department or Department of Liberal Studies

Outdated name. See Global Humanities and Religions, Department of.

Linguistics Department or Department of Linguistics

L

lists

Use a colon to introduce a bulleted list. Capitalize and put periods at the end of list items that are complete sentences.

Mail Services is making some procedural changes in mail collection:

  • Place all outgoing mail–campus mail and U.S. Postal mail--inside the blue zippered bag.
  • Call ext. 3770 or email Mail.Services@wwu.edu if the items are too large to fit in the bag.
  • Call ext. 6543 with questions.  

Also place periods after items if the introduction combined with the list item make a complete sentence.

To learn more about living, working or studying abroad:  

  • Check out the International Jobs and Internships Workshop Jan. 9 at 4 p.m.
  • Get insider tips at How to Navigate the International Opportunities Fair Jan. 25 at 4 p.m.
  • Visit the International Opportunities Fair Jan. 26 to learn about 50-plus organizations.

Do not use semicolons at the end of bulleted list items or place the word and at the end of the next-to-last list item.  

logo

M

magna cum laude

Do not capitalize the Latin honor for those who graduate with high GPAs. How graduation honors are awarded

majors/minors

Lowercase except for proper nouns or adjectives. She majored in mathematics and English and minored in East Asian studies.

midnight

Not 12 a.m. Midnight is part of the day that is ending, not the day that is beginning.

millions, billions

Use the following format: 3 million, $4.8 billion, 1.25 million. Do not go beyond two decimal places.

minority, minorities

Avoid. Consider using people of color or traditionally underserved groups instead. See inclusion.

months

When used with a specific date, abbreviate Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec., and set off years with commas. Dec. 27, 2016, was her first day on the job.

When a phrase lists only a month and a year, do not separate the year with commas. December 2016.

See dates.

M

Management Department or Department of Management

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management Program

Master of Arts, Master of Science

See academic degrees.

Master of Business Administration

MBA is acceptable in all references. See academic degrees.

Mathematics Department or Department of Mathematics

Mathes Hall

MBA

No periods. Acceptable in all references to Master of Business Administration. See academic degrees.

Memory Walk

Miller Hall

Modern and Classical Languages Department or Department of Modern and Classical Languages

Morse Hall

Use instead of Chemistry Building. The full name of the building, Karen W. Morse Hall, may be used in some circumstances, such as in stories about the building itself or about Karen Morse.

Music Department or Department of Music

Music Library

Affiliated with Western Libraries.

N

named professorships

Capitalize named professorships as in Karen Stout, Bowman Distinguished Professor of Leadership Studies, or Art Sherwood, David Cole Professor of Entrepreneurship. When shortened titles are appropriate, Bowman Professor, etc., is acceptable.

non-

Generally no hyphen unless it comes before a proper noun. See prefixes.

noon

Not 12 p.m.

numbers

In general, spell out one through nine (as well as first through ninth).

Use figures for 10 or above or whenever preceding a unit of measure.

Also figures for:

  • ages
  • academic course numbers
  • addresses
  • credit hours
  • dates
  • dimensions
  • distances
  • grade point averages
  • mathematical uses
  • recipes
  • temperatures
  • decimals
  • percentages
  • fractions larger than one

Spell out fractions smaller than one.

See “numerals” in the Associated Press Stylebook for more guidance. 

N

Nash Hall

NCAA

Acceptable in all references for National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Western is a member of NCAA Division II. On second reference, NCAA II is acceptable.

New Student Services/Family Outreach

NSSFO is acceptable on second reference only for audiences who are likely to be familiar with the abbreviation.

Northwest Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Ethnocide Education

Outdated name. Use the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity.

O

off campus, off-campus (adj.)

on campus, on-campus (adj.)

online

No hyphen. Preferable to on the web or on the internet.

O

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance

CRTC on second reference, if your audience is likely to be familiar with the abbreviation.

Previously referred to as the Equal Opportunity Office.

Old Main

Old Main Quad

The lawn bordered by Old Main, Wilson Library and Edens Hall.

Outback Farm

Outback Pavilion

A small amphitheater located near Outback Farm

Outdoor Center, Associated Students

AS Outdoor Center is acceptable on second reference, and later, Outdoor Center.

Outreach and Continuing Education

Formerly known as Extended Education

Oxford comma

Also known as a serial comma. Use only when needed for clarity.

P

p.m.

parentheses

Place the punctuation outside parentheses containing a sentence fragment (like this).

The closing punctuation goes inside parentheses containing a full sentence. (Sentences that need many parenthetical phrases should be rewritten.)

people

Not persons

personal pronouns

Use the personal pronouns (she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/their/theirs, etc.) that the person uses for themselves, regardless of perceived gender expression or sex assigned at birth. See inclusion.

photo captions

Use present tense and full sentences.

possessives

Plural nouns ending in s: Add only the apostrophe.

the dogs’ barking

Singular nouns ending in s: Add ’s.

the alumnus’s book, the alumnus’s story.

Singular proper names ending in s: Add only the apostrophe.

Rhys’ camera

For more guidance, see “possessives” in the AP stylebook.

post-baccalaureate

post-bacc may be acceptable on second reference in informal settings and with audiences who are likely to be familiar with the term.

prefixes

Generally do not hyphenate when using a prefix with a word starting with a consonant.

Exceptions:

  • Use a hyphen if the prefix ends in a vowel and the word that follows begins with the same vowel. (Exceptions: cooperate and coordinate and double-e combinations such as preempt, preeclampsia, etc.)
  • Use a hyphen if the word that follows is capitalized. Use a hyphen to join doubled prefixes.
  • Use a hyphen when using co- to form nouns, adjectives and verbs that indicate occupation or status. co-editor, co-teach.
  • Use a hyphen when using pro- to indicate support for something.

professor

Not all faculty members are professors. If you must use a faculty member’s academic rank, verify it by asking him or her or checking the online directory.

provost

Full title is provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Capitalize when used before a name.

P

Pacific Northwest Studies, Center for

Parks Hall

PEHR

Outdated. See Health and Human Development Department

Performing Arts Center

PAC on second reference

Performing Arts Plaza

See Virginia Wright Plaza.

Philosophy Department or Department of Philosophy

Physical Education, Health and Recreation

Outdated name. Use Health and Human Development Department

Physical Plant building

Physics and Astronomy Department or Department of Physics and Astronomy

Police Department, Western Washington University

WWU Police or University Police on second reference

Political Science Department or Department of Political Science

Port Angeles

See Western Washington University at Port Angeles.

Poulsbo

See Western Washington University Center at Olympic College Poulsbo

Professional Staff Organization

PSO is acceptable on second reference for audiences who are familiar with the abbreviation.

Psychology Department or Department of Psychology

Public School Employees of Washington

PSE is acceptable on second reference, but use care to avoid confusion with Puget Sound Energy.

Q

quarters

Lowercase. winter quarter, fall quarter.

quotation marks

Put quotation marks around direct quotations, dialogue and composition titles.

Periods and commas always go within quotation marks.

The dash, semicolon, question mark and exclamation point go within quotation marks when they are part of the quoted material only.

R

RA

Acceptable on first reference for resident advisor if readers are likely to be familiar with the abbreviation. Use care for external audiences. See apartment advisor and adviser, advisor

Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity

Formerly the Northwest Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Ethnocide Education.

Recreation Center

Use Wade King Student Recreation Center on first reference. Student Recreation Center or, informally, Student Rec Center, is acceptable on second reference.

Red Square

ResTek

For on-campus audiences, acceptable on first reference for Residential Technology Services.

Ridgeway Commons

Ridgeway Complex

Includes residences Ridgeway Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, Kappa and Sigma as well as Highland Hall. The Ridge is acceptable on second reference for on-campus audiences.

RN-to-BSN Program

Rose Garden

Ross Engineering Technology building

R

range of time, days or dates

The preferred format is to spell out to and through in body copy when referring to a range of time or days of the week. The word from usually can be omitted. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Finals week is Monday through Friday.

residence hall

Preferred to dorm or dormitory when referring to student housing.

S

Science and Engineering, College of

CSE on second reference; formerly College of Sciences and Technology

Science, Math and Technology Education building

SMATE building on second reference. Science Lecture Hall, as the building is labeled on some maps, is also acceptable.

Science, Math and Technology Education Program

SMATE program on second reference

SEA Discovery Center

Western’s science education center and aquarium in Poulsbo.

Seattle

See Western Washington University at North Seattle College.

Secondary Education Department or Department of Secondary Education

Service-Learning, Center for

Outdated. See Center for Community Learning

 

Shannon Point Marine Center

SPMC or Shannon Point on second reference.

Small Business Development Center

SBDC on second reference.

Sociology Department or Department of Sociology

Spanel Planetarium

Acceptable on first reference for the Dr. Leslie E. Spanel Planetarium, located in Haggard Hall.

Special Education and Education Leadership Department or Department of Special Education and Education Leadership

Steam Plant

STEM

Acceptable on first reference for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Student Employment Center

Student Health Center

Student Outreach Services

Former name of the student support office that became a part of the Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center

Student Recreation Center

Acceptable on second reference for Wade King Student Recreation Center. Student Rec Center is also acceptable on second reference in informal setting.

Summer Session

May also be referred to on second reference as Summer @ Western.

Summerstart

Outdated. See Advising & Registration Sessions.

Survivor Advocacy Services

Confidential support for Western students who have experienced relationship violence or abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and/or sexual harassment. Previously known as CASAS (Consultation and Sexual Assault Services) 

Sustainability, Equity & Justice Fund

Grant program that funds student projects benefiting the environmental, social, health and economic practices on campus and in the community. Formerly called the Green Energy Fee and the Sustainable Action Fund.

Sustainability, Office of

Sustainable Action Fund

Outdated name. See Sustainability, Equity & Justice Fund

S

seasons

Names of seasons are lowercase unless part of a formal name.

serial comma

Use only when needed for clarity.

spaces

Use one space between the end of one sentence and the beginning of a new sentence.

state

Lowercase, state of Washington.

state names

Spell out when used in body copy. It’s not necessary to include the state name for cities and towns in Washington, but consider including the name of the county or other geographical descriptors for communities that may be unknown to your readers. After graduation, she moved to Colfax in Whitman County.

T

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certificate

TESOL Certificate on second reference

Teaching-Learning Academy

TLA on second reference. Part of Western Libraries and the Learning Commons.

Technology Development Center

A collaborative space for technology research and industry partnerships, located on the Bellingham waterfront.

The Foundation for WWU & Alumni

Name of Western's philanthropic organization that encourages private support of the university. Formerly two organizations, the WWU Foundation and WWU Alumni Association

Theatre and Dance Department or Department of Theatre and Dance

T

telephone numbers

Use the format 360-650-3350. For on-campus audiences, it’s acceptable to list a four-digit extension, as in ext. 3350.

theater

Use this spelling unless theatre is part of a proper name, such as Theatre and Dance Department  or  Mount Baker Theatre. Always verify the proper names of venues.

they

If someone uses the singular they as a personal pronoun, use they when referring to them in a story. Ask first. Pair they with a plural verb. See inclusion and this chart from Trans Student Educational Resources.

The singular they may also be appropriate when the gender of an individual is unknown, but rewriting the sentence might be a better bet. 

times

Use figures except for noon and midnight. Format: 4 p.m., 2:30 a.m.

titles

See composition titles

toward

Not towards

trustee

Capitalize only as a formal title before a name. See board of trustees.

U

Underground Coffeehouse

A cafe and performance venue in the Viking Union. Use the full name to avoid confusion with The Underground Nightclub in downtown Bellingham. 

University Advancement

The division includes the Western Washington University Foundation and the Western Washington University Alumni Association.

University Communications

University Relations and Community Development

Outdated name. Use University Relations and Marketing division.

University Relations and Marketing

Division includes Community Relations, Marketing, University CommunicationsWeb Communication TechnologiesSmall Business Development Center and Washington Campus Compact.

URLs

Don’t include http:// or www in a URL unless needed for clarity – or required by the site. Always test the URL first.

If the URL won’t fit on one line, break it before a slash or period. Avoid lengthy, complicated URLs in printed material.

If the URL appears at the end of a sentence, place a period after it.

U

unique

It’s only unique if it’s the only one of its kind, with nothing like it anywhere else. Not to be confused with unusual, rare, distinctive, noteworthy, etc.

university

Capitalize only when part of a proper name. Lowercase when it stands alone, even when it’s used in place of Western Washington University.

V

veteran

Anyone who has served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. If someone’s veteran status is relevant to the story, ask them.

vice president

No hyphen.

voicemail

V

Victor E. Viking

The mascot of Western Athletics.

Viking Band

Viking Commons

Viking Launch

Viking Union

Vikings

Not Lady Vikings or other diminutives when referring to women’s athletic teams.

Virginia Wright Plaza

The name of the plaza located between the Performing Arts Center and the Viking Union. It’s commonly known on campus as the Performing Arts Plaza, so it might be helpful to readers to describe the location: The concert will be in the Virginia Wright Plaza next to the Performing Arts Center.  

Visitors Center

W

Wade King Student Recreation Center

Washington Campus Compact

Washington State Legislature

Also, capitalize Legislature when used alone but referring to the Washington State Legislature.

Washington State University

Washington, state of

Not Washington State, to avoid confusion with the name of the university.

Web Communication Technologies

WebTech may be acceptable on first reference for campus audiences.

WECU Court at Carver Gymnasium

Western Alert

Western’s official emergency communications system that includes text messages, social media messaging, emails and voice annunciation in buildings.

Western Card

Official name of Western’s ID card.

Western CEDAR

Western’s digital, open-access institutional repository that includes faculty research pages, masters theses and graduate research, academic journals and peer-reviewed series, conferences and events, student and university publications and more. The acronym CEDAR is acceptable on second reference--it stands for Contributing to Education through Digital Access to Research–but be sure to explain what it is to external audiences.

Western City Center

Western Libraries

The official name of the library at Western. Located in Wilson Library, Haggard Hall and the Goltz-Murray Archives Building. See Wilson Library

Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections

Formerly known as Western Libraries Heritage Resources. Includes University Archives & Records Management, the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, and Special Collections.

Western on the Peninsulas

Comprised of Western locations in Bremerton, Poulsbo and Port Angeles

Western Outdoor Orientation Trips

WOOT is acceptable on second reference.

Western Washington University

Use Western Washington University on first reference. Western is preferable on second reference. WWU may be used later, for variety. Not Western Washington. Do not use WWU in alt text.

Western Washington University at Bremerton

Also acceptable: Western Washington University, Bremerton or Western Washington University in Bremerton.

Western Washington University at North Seattle College

Also acceptable: Western Washington University, Seattle or Western Washington University in Seattle.

Western Washington University at Port Angeles

Also acceptable: Western Washington University, Port Angeles or Western Washington University in Port Angeles.

Western Washington University Center at Olympic College Poulsbo

WWU Center at OC Poulsbo on second reference.

Western Washington University Foundation

Former name of The Foundation for WWU & Alumni, Western's philanthropic organization that encourages private support of the university.

Avoid WWU FoundationWestern Foundation and Western Washington University Foundation.

WesternOnline

Wilson Library

Building that houses part of Western Libraries

Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program

Woodring College of Education

Woodring or Woodring College on second reference.

WOOT

acceptable on second reference for Western Outdoor Orientation Trips

World Issues Forum

Writing Center

See Hacherl Research & Writing Studio.

WWU

Use Western Washington University on first reference. Western is preferable on second reference. WWU may be used later, for variety. Not Western Washington. Do not use WWU in alt text.

WWU Alumni Association

Former name for The Foundation for WWU & Alumni. 

Avoid WWU Alumni Association, Western Washington University Alumni Association, etc. 

WWU Alumni Weekend

Formerly Back2Bellingham. Typically held the third weekend in May.

WWU Foundation

Former name of The Foundation for WWU & Alumni, Western's philanthropic organization that encourages private support of the university.

Avoid WWU FoundationWestern Foundation and Western Washington University Foundation.

W

website

web is lowercase in all instances, such as webpage.

work-study

Hyphenate.

Y

Youth Programs