{"id":3262,"date":"2025-03-27T14:00:17","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T14:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/?page_id=3262"},"modified":"2025-11-19T16:34:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T16:34:29","slug":"style-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/style-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"University Style Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tarleton State University\u2019s Office of Marketing and Communications has developed written style guidelines to ensure consistency for official publications and other communications. The Associated Press Stylebook is the preferred source of guidance for items not included on this web page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For any questions regarding the University Style Guide, please contact news@tarleton.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A<\/a> | B<\/a> | C<\/a> | D<\/a> | E<\/a> | F<\/a> | G<\/a> | H<\/a> | I<\/a> | L<\/a> | M<\/a> | N<\/a> | O<\/a> | P<\/a> | R<\/a> | S<\/a> | T<\/a> | U<\/a> | V<\/a> | W<\/a> | Y<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Abbreviations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, do not use abbreviations or acronyms that the reader would not quickly recognize. Never abbreviate university, department or association. The first mention of organizations, firms, agencies, groups, etc., should be spelled out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abbreviations of degrees, expressions of time and names of countries take periods with no space between the elements: M.F.A., a.m., U.S.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Academic degrees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Readers may not be familiar with academic degrees. It usually is better to use a phrase instead of an abbreviation. John Jones, who has a master\u2019s degree in psychology, said the study was flawed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use an apostrophe: bachelor\u2019s degree, master\u2019s degree.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uppercase: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Doctor of Education.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Academic colleges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 College of Education<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 College of General and Applied Studies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Division of Health Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 College of Leadership and Military Studies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 College of Liberal and Fine Arts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 College of Science and Mathematics<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Dr. Sam Pack College of Business<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Mayfield College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Academic titles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lowercase and spell out titles when not used with an individual\u2019s name. The dean provided a list of students.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize and spell out when a title precedes or immeditately follows a name. Chancellor Glenn Hegar met with Dean Rafael Landaeta yesterday.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very long titles are more readable when placed after a name: Tony Vidmar, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director for the Tarleton State University Foundation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acting\/interim<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When someone is filling in for an administrator who is temporarily on leave, the correct title is acting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When someone is filling in while a permanent replacement is being sought, the correct title is interim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acronyms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When pluralizing an acronym, just add an \u201cs\u201d to the end (no apostrophe). LVADs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjunct<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refers to a temporary faculty appointment; lowercase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adviser vs. advisor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the spelling that ends in -er (not advisor) unless the other spelling is part of an official title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always use numerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 19-year-old student took graduate-level courses.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The student, who switched his major 11 times, is 24 years old.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dean is in his 50s. (no apostrophe)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alumnus, alumna, alumni, alumnae<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alumnus (alumni in the plural) refers to a man who has graduated from a school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alumna (alumnae in the plural, but rarely used) refers to a woman who has graduated from a school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alumni refers to a group of men and women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ampersand\/&<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t use an ampersand (&) to replace \u201cand\u201d except in proper names of off-campus entities that include an ampersand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apostrophes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use an apostrophe when referring to a class year; make sure the apostrophe is facing in the correct direction (it shouldn\u2019t look like a backward apostrophe): Class of \u201923<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use curly apostrophes (\u201c), not straight up-and-down ones (‘, called primes) whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t use an apostrophe to make the plural of figures and letters unless confusion would result without the apostrophe: three Ph.D.s, five DVDs, there are two 5s in that number, <\/em>but<\/em> there are four s\u2019s in that word.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

B<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Baccalaureate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the less formal bachelor\u2019s degree is preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buildings\/facilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Aquatics Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Barry B. Thompson Student Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Campus Administration Building (Fort Worth)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Dick Smith Library<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Dr. Sam Pack College of Business Building<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 E.J. Howell Education Building<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 EECU Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Health Professions Building<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Interprofessional Education Building (Fort Worth)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Joe W. Autry Agriculture Building<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Lamar Johanson Science Building<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Mayfield College of Engineering Building<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 O.A. Grant Humanities Building<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Research and Economic Development Building<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Tarleton State University Agriculture Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 W.K. Gordon Museum and Research Center for Industrial History of Texas<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information and a full list, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

C<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Capitalization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize official names; do not capitalize unofficial, informal, shortened or generic names. Do not capitalize in phrases such as the center, the institute or the recently renovated museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize names of celebrations, such as Founder\u2019s Week. Do not capitalize seasons, semesters or academic periods. (The exception is Spring Break.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid unnecessary capital letters. Use a capital letter only if you can justify it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, only use capitals when using the full, proper name of a program, building, center, institute, etc. Do not use capitals on second reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capital\/capitol<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capital refers to the city; capitol refers to the building where the seat of government is housed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize when referring to the building. Capitol building is redundant. The Capitol is in Austin, which is the capital city of Texas.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chairman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use chairman or chair in references to positions on the Board of Regents, even for female members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wendy Gramm was chairman of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs. She also was chair of an ad hoc committee.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Class year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When referring to an alumnus in a publication listing, include the last two digits of his or her class year after the name preceded by an apostrophe: \u201995<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When referring to an alumnus with multiple degrees, list the degrees in the order in which they were received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When referring to a couple who are both alumni of the same university, include the last two digits of the class year with an apostrophe after each person\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not use a comma before the \u201cand\u201d or other conjunctions in a series. Elsewhere, use commas only when the potential for confusion exists without them, such as complex sentences, or before the concluding conjunction of a series if one of the elements in the series contains a conjunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She served on the committee to review scholarships, grants and financial aid.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lecture began with a discourse on the professor\u2019s breakfast, which consisted of orange juice, a decaf latte, and ham and eggs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Committee names<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize the names of committees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Academic Affairs Committee will meet tomorrow.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Course work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Composition titles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apply these guidelines to the titles of books, movies, plays, poems, albums, songs, operas, radio and television programs, lectures, speeches, and works of art:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Capitalize all words in a title except articles (a, an, the); prepositions of three or fewer letters (for, of, on, up, etc.); and conjunctions of three or fewer letters (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet, etc.) unless any of those start or end the title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Capitalize prepositions of four or more letters (above, after, down, inside, over, with, etc.) and conjunctions of four or more letters (because, while, since, though, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Capitalize \u201cto\u201d in infinitives: \u201cWhat I Want To Be When I Grow Up.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Put quotation marks around the names of all such works except the Bible, the Quran and other holy books, and books that are primarily catalogs of reference material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Do not use quotation marks around software titles; apps; or around names of video, online or analog versions of games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Courtesy titles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refer to men and women by first and last name, then last name on second reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Dr. if they are a medical doctor, have an Ed.D. or Ph.D. Use Drs. to list multiple doctors: Drs. Jorge Gonzalez and Isabelle Garcia<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid using courtesy titles Mr., Mrs., Miss or Ms., except in direct quotations. Include first name to distinguish between two people with the same last name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abbreviate these titles when used before a full name outside direct quotations: Gov., Lt. Gov. Rep., the Rev., Sen.; otherwise, spell them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t use commas before or after Jr. or Sr. or the designations I, II, IV, etc. When used in conjunction with an earned degree, follow the designation with a comma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first reference to a clergyperson normally includes a capitalized title before the individual\u2019s name. In many cases, the Rev. is the designation that applies before a name on first reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit hours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use numerals to refer to credit hours: 3 credit hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

D<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dates\/months\/years<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The order when combining dates with time and place is time, date, place. Summer commencement will be at <\/em>6 p.m. Friday, July 26, in Memorial Stadium.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize the names of months in all uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When referring to month and year, add a comma after the year unless it ends the sentence. Do not add a comma following the month unless a date is used. She graduated in May 2002.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use two commas to set off the year in dates giving the month, day and year. Your memo of July 28, 2024, summarized the issue perfectly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In dates giving the month, day and year, abbreviate Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. He referenced the Nov. 14, 2023, newsletter issue.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spell out months when using alone (we were married in December<\/em>) or with a year alone (we were married in December 2020<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Except in formal invitations, use cardinal (not ordinal) numbers for the date. T<\/em>he ceremony is scheduled for May 17, 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to use numerals for days of the month, omitting rd, th, st, nd. H<\/em>e arrived Feb. 21 and left April 8.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, don\u2019t use \u201con\u201d with a date or day. Summer commencement will be Friday, July 26.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When writing dates within a decade, repeat the 0 (2006-08<\/em>). When the century or millennium changes, all digits are repeated (1999-2019<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Days of the week<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t abbreviate days of the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decades<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may spell out the decade (the nineties), use numerals (the \u201990s) or use the full numeric (the 1990s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t use an abbreviated format if there could be any confusion about the century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t use \u2019s in numeric decades: 1990s,<\/em> not 1990\u2019s<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Dr. on first reference as a formal title before the name of an individual who holds a doctor of dental surgery, doctor of medicine, doctor of optometry, doctor of osteopathic medicine, doctor of podiatric medicine or doctor of veterinary medicine: Dr. Elena Ramirez.<\/em> Also use as courtesy title for one who holds a doctoral degree, including honorary doctorates from Tarleton State. These individuals should be introduced with Dr. from first reference on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctoral, doctorate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use doctoral as an adjective and doctorate as a noun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She received her doctoral degree last Saturday.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She received her doctorate in English.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dormitory\/dorm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid these terms. Use residence hall or the name of the residence hall instead: Heritage Hall, Honors Hall.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

E<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ellipsis ( \u2026 )<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, treat an ellipsis as a three-letter word, constructed with three periods and two spaces, as shown above. If the words that precede an ellipsis constitute a grammatically complete sentence, either in the original or in the condensation, place a period at the end of the last word before the ellipsis. Follow it with a regular space and an ellipsis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, I am the spirit of Tarleton. \u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Em dash<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put a space on both sides of the dash in all uses except the start of a paragraph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Integrity \u2014 a Tarleton State core value \u2014 is central to the character of the university.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize the \u201ce\u201d only when the word is used at the beginning of a sentence or on a form. There is no hyphen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extension agent\/Extension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uppercase Extension agent when used as a title before a name. Extension Agent Tasha Boggs is a 2005 graduate of Tarleton State University.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other uses, uppercase \u201cExtension\u201d (because it refers to the agency name) and lowercase \u201cagent.\u201d She attended the annual meeting of all Extension agents in College Station.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When referring to extension and\/or research in general terms, do not capitalize. The initiative seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues through the integration of research and extension activities.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When referencing AgriLife Extension, use the full name of \u201cTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service\u201d<\/em> on first reference and \u201cAgriLife Extension\u201d<\/em> on second reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

F<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Faculty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When used as a collective noun, faculty is singular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQ<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently asked questions. Spell it out in copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The student referred to the website\u2019s frequently asked questions page for guidance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If abbreviated in a headline, use all caps, with no apostrophe to make it plural: FAQs<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-gen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-generation or first-gen students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiscal year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not capitalize when spelled out. When abbreviated, capitalize and put a space between FY and the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She planned to give all of her lottery winnings to the university in fiscal year 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The university\u2019s FY 2024-25 budget will reflect her generous donation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fractions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple fractions are spelled out and a hyphen is used: one-half, three-fourths<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fundraising, fundraiser<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One word in all cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

G<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grade point average\/GPA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GPA is an acceptable abbreviation in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grades<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a capital letter when referring to a grade. When pluralizing, use an apostrophe before the \u201cs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She made all A\u2019s last year.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

H<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Half staff\/half mast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flags are lowered to half staff, not half mast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headlines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize the first letter of all words in a headline, except articles (a, an, the<\/em>), short coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or<\/em>) and prepositions shorter than four letters. Do not uppercase the second word following a hyphen in headlines: Tarleton State Committed to First-gen Student Success; A&M System Approves Stand-alone College.<\/em> Spell out ordinal numbers from first through ninth. Use numerals in all other instances except casual usages. One of the first, hundreds of people, etc<\/em>. or proper names. Capitalize \u201cto\u201d in infinitives (To Learn, To Open, <\/em>etc). Use single quotation marks to denote a quotation or a composition title. Separate two items with a comma, not the word \u201cand\u201d: Student Success, Institutional Impact Earn Tarleton State National Recognition.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical periods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize widely recognized epochs in anthropology, archaeology, geology and history: t<\/em>he Bronze Age, the Dark Ages, the Renaissance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homecoming<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uppercase Homecoming when referring to the Tarleton State Homecoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyphens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Student-athletes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Student-parents<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Initials<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use periods and no spaces when individuals use initials instead of a first name: T.R. Dey, G.Z.H. Ling<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

International students<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not foreign students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

L<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Land-grant university<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyphenate when used as an adjective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legislation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refer to bills as House Bill 1 or Senate Bill 1, or as HB 1 or SB 1 (no space between the letters, then a space between the letters and the number).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legislature<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize in all references to a particular legislative body, such as the Texas Legislature or the Legislature. Do not capitalize when it is used as a generic term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The law-making body in a democracy is called a legislature.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lists\/listed items<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Use en dashes to introduce individual sections of a list. Put a space between the dash and the first word of each item in the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Capitalize the first word following the dash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Use periods at the end of each complete sentence, but don\u2019t use punctuation at the end of a single word or single phrase. Do not use semicolons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Maintain consistency for all items in a list (don\u2019t mix sentence and nonsentence items). Use the same part of speech, voice, verb tense and sentence type for each item in the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location Listings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In datelines, location should be based on where the news is originating from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State\u2019s Fort Worth campus or Tarleton State University Fort Worth on first reference. Tarleton State Fort Worth for second reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State\u2019s Waco campus or Tarleton State University Waco on first reference. Tarleton State Waco for second reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas A&M-RELLIS on first reference and RELLIS Campus on subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State University Online on first reference and Tarleton State Online on subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When listing out all Tarleton State locations in text or with the logo, the proper order is: Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan, Online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For further reference, see www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/university-name\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

M<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Measurements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use numerals and spell out inches, feet, yards, meters, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metroplex<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize when used alone to refer to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area Metroplex<\/em>. Lowercase when used in combination with Dallas-Fort Worth. Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military terms and titles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style guidance for military writing generally follows AP style principles, including capitalization, punctuation and abbreviations, but with specific rules for military terminology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each service branch has its own system of abbreviating officer and enlisted ranks that vary widely from AP style. However, the Department of Defense uses AP\u2019s military titles in news releases because the abbreviations are easily understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formal Titles: Capitalize military ranks when used as a formal title before a name (Lt. Col. Stephen Jones,<\/em> Maj. Gen. John Smith<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subsequent References: Do not continue using the rank in subsequent references; use only the last name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For plurals, add \u201cs\u201d to the principal element in the title: Cols. John Jones and Robert Smith; Maj. Gens. John Jones and Robert Smith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize units and use numerals: 3rd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.<\/em> But the battalion, the division,<\/em> in general reference. When referring to the reserves, capitalize when in the form of U.S. Navy Reserve or U.S. Army Reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always capitalize medals and ribbons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ROTC (Reserve Officers\u2019 Training Corps) is acceptable in all references, both initial and subsequent. When referring to a specific service branch, you should use Army ROTC, Navy ROTC or Air Force ROTC.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serviceman\/servicewoman\/service member: Use lowercase unless part of an official title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Money<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spell out the word \u201ccents\u201d (note lowercase) and use numerals for amounts less than a dollar (5 cents, 12 cents<\/em>). Use the dollar sign ($) and numerals for fractional amounts over $1 ($1.45, $3.15<\/em>). For amounts of more than $1 million, use up to two decimal places. He is worth $4.45 million. <\/em>Use a comma in amounts $1,000 or more ($3,100, not $3100<\/em>).
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

N<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Names<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use last names instead of first names on subsequent references unless the subjects share the same last name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nobel Prize<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The correct designations are Nobel Prize in physics (as well as in physiology or medicine). But, it\u2019s the Nobel Peace Prize and Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics. A person who has received this prize is a Nobel laureate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spell out one through nine. Use numerals for 10, 11, 12, etc. Exception: For ages of people, animals, events or things, use numerals. A 5-month-old baby. The boy, 6, has a sister, 10.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

O<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of vs. For<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vice President for Research, Economic Impact and Development, but Dean of the College of Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When using the proper title of an office, capitalize both the name and the word \u201coffice,\u201d but not the preceding \u201cthe.\u201d She referred him to t<\/em>he Office of Financial Aid.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Percent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the percent symbol (%) when paired with a number, with no space in between (12%<\/em>). For amounts less than 1%, precede the decimal with a zero (0.6%<\/em>). In casual uses and with zero, spell it out. She said he has a zero percent chance of winning.<\/em> If it is necessary to start a sentence with a percentage, spell out both. Eighty-nine percent of sentences don\u2019t have to begin with a number.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo Cutlines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a colon to lead in when introducing a left to right arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From left to right:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From left:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

R<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Room<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize when used before a room number or after a room name. The seminar <\/em>will be held in the <\/em>Joe W. Autry Agriculture Building, Room 113.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

S<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Semicolon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, use the semicolon to indicate a greater separation of thought and information than a comma can convey but less than the separation that a period implies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To clarify a series: Use semicolons to separate elements of a series when the items in the series are long or when individual segments contain material that also must be set off by commas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is survived by a son, John Smith, of Chicago; three daughters, Jane Smith, of Wichita, Kans., Mary Smith, of Denver, and Susan, of Boston; and a sister, Martha, of Omaha, Neb.<\/em> Note that the semicolon is used before the final \u201cand\u201d in the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spring Break<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State\/federal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize when referring to a governmental entity by its official name, but not when referring to geographical areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The student is from the state of Arkansas.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city is seeking federal aid to help with rebuilding costs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas State Guard<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

State names<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spell out the names of states when they stand alone in text. S<\/em>he drove through Oklahoma on her way to Kansas<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the state is preceded by a city in that state, enclose the abbreviation for that state in commas (see middle column in list below, note exceptions: Do not abbreviate Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas or Utah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H<\/em>is last job was in Sparks, Nev., where he lived in 2021. Her parents live in Sitka, Alaska.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the two-letter postal abbreviations (see right column in list below) in mailing addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State<\/td>Abbreviation<\/td>Postal Abbreviation<\/td><\/tr>
Alabama<\/td>Ala.<\/td>AL<\/td><\/tr>
Alaska<\/td>Alaska<\/td>AK<\/td><\/tr>
Arizona <\/td>Ariz.<\/td>AZ<\/td><\/tr>
Arkansas<\/td>Ark.<\/td>AR<\/td><\/tr>
California <\/td>Calif.<\/td>CA<\/td><\/tr>
Colorado <\/td>Colo. <\/td>CO<\/td><\/tr>
Connecticut <\/td>Conn. <\/td>CT<\/td><\/tr>
Delaware <\/td>Del. <\/td>DE<\/td><\/tr>
Florida <\/td>Fla.<\/td>FL<\/td><\/tr>
Georgia<\/td>Ga.<\/td>GA<\/td><\/tr>
Hawaii <\/td>Hawaii<\/td>HI<\/td><\/tr>
Idaho <\/td>Idaho<\/td>ID<\/td><\/tr>
Illinois <\/td>Ill.<\/td>IL<\/td><\/tr>
Indiana <\/td>Ind.<\/td>IN<\/td><\/tr>
Iowa <\/td>Iowa<\/td>IA<\/td><\/tr>
Kansas <\/td>Kans.<\/td>KS<\/td><\/tr>
Kentucky <\/td>Ky.<\/td>KY<\/td><\/tr>
Louisiana <\/td>La.<\/td>LA<\/td><\/tr>
Maine <\/td>Maine<\/td>ME<\/td><\/tr>
Maryland <\/td>Md.<\/td>MD<\/td><\/tr>
Massachusetts <\/td>Mass.<\/td>MA<\/td><\/tr>
Michigan <\/td>Mich.<\/td>MI<\/td><\/tr>
Minnesota <\/td>Minn.<\/td>MN<\/td><\/tr>
Mississippi <\/td>Miss.<\/td>MS<\/td><\/tr>
Missouri <\/td>Mo.<\/td>MO<\/td><\/tr>
Montana <\/td>Mont.<\/td>MT<\/td><\/tr>
Nebraska <\/td>Nebr.<\/td>NE<\/td><\/tr>
Nevada <\/td>Nev.<\/td>NV<\/td><\/tr>
New Hampshire <\/td>N.H.<\/td>NH<\/td><\/tr>
New Jersey <\/td>N.J.<\/td>NJ<\/td><\/tr>
New Mexico <\/td>N.M.<\/td>NM<\/td><\/tr>
New York <\/td>N.Y.<\/td>NY<\/td><\/tr>
North Carolina <\/td>N.C.<\/td>NC<\/td><\/tr>
North Dakota <\/td>N.D.<\/td>ND<\/td><\/tr>
Ohio<\/td>Ohio<\/td>OH<\/td><\/tr>
Oklahoma <\/td>Okla.<\/td>OK<\/td><\/tr>
Oregon <\/td>Ore.<\/td>OR<\/td><\/tr>
Pennsylvania<\/td>Pa.<\/td>PA<\/td><\/tr>
Rhode Island <\/td>R.I.<\/td>RI<\/td><\/tr>
South Carolina <\/td>S.C.<\/td>SC<\/td><\/tr>
South Dakota <\/td>S.D.<\/td>SD<\/td><\/tr>
Tennessee <\/td>Tenn.<\/td>TN<\/td><\/tr>
Texas <\/td>Tex.<\/td>TX<\/td><\/tr>
Utah <\/td>Utah<\/td>UT<\/td><\/tr>
Vermont <\/td>Vt.<\/td>VT<\/td><\/tr>
Virginia <\/td>Va.<\/td>VA<\/td><\/tr>
Washington <\/td>Wash.<\/td>WA<\/td><\/tr>
West Virginia <\/td>W.Va.<\/td>WV<\/td><\/tr>
Wisconsin <\/td>Wis.<\/td>WI<\/td><\/tr>
Wyoming<\/td>Wyo.<\/td>WY<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Strategic Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State Forward 2030: Our Future-Focused Strategic Plan<\/em> should be in italics. But it\u2019s Tarleton State\u2019s strategic plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Street names<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the abbreviations Ave., Blvd. and St. only with a numbered address: 1333 W. Washington St.<\/em> Spell them out and capitalize when part of a formal street name without a number: Washington Street.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lowercase and spell out when used alone or with more than one street name: Washington and N. Lillian streets.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All similar words (alley, drive, road, terrace, etc.) are always spelled out. Capitalize them when part of a formal name without a number; lowercase when used alone or with two or more names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always use figures for an address number. Spell out and capitalize First through Ninth when used as street names; use figures for 10th and above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

T<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tables<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In tables, use one format \u2014 either with or without decimals \u2014 consistently. Use a label (dollars) to avoid repeating the same symbol ($).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State University on first reference or Tarleton State if you use university in the same sentence. Tarleton State broke ground this afternoon for a $80 million Health Professions Building that will further establish the university as the leader of rural healthcare throughout the state.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never uppercase university when used alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State on second reference and thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid using Tarleton by itself in headlines; use Tarleton State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never use TSU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Telephone numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be consistent with usage throughout a document, however you choose to write the number:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

254-555-0000.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas A&M System<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Texas A&M System (uppercase The) on first reference. Do not use The Texas A&M University System. Uppercase System when referring to The Texas A&M System. Second reference: A&M System or Texas A&M System. Avoid using TAMUS.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texan Nation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capitalize when referring to the Tarleton State Texans as a school spirit group entity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Theater\/Theatre<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton Theatre program or Theatre @ Tarleton, but theater when referring to auditorium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For composition names, put quotations around the title: Tarleton State University\u2019s production of \u201cLIZZIE: The Musical\u201d has earned a spot in one of eight regional competitions of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In headline, use single quotation: Theatre at Tarleton to Present \u2018LIZZIE: The Musical\u2019 at Kennedy Center Competition.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time (a.m.\/p.m.)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note use of lowercase and periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use noon instead of 12 p.m.; use midnight instead of 12 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The correct abbreviation for morning times is a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The correct abbreviation for afternoon and evening times is p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a colon to separate hours from minutes: 3:45 p.m., 11:15 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t use zeros for even hours: 7 a.m., not 7:00 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The order when combining time with date and place: time, date, place: 6 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the <\/em>Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Titles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uppercase President any time it refers to President Dr. James Hurley, even without his name. Use Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley on first reference, then Dr. Hurley on second. Alternate President Hurley and Dr. Hurley throughout the remainder of the story or news release. Always use Dr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uppercase all university titles \u2014 before and after names. Use \u201cfor\u201d with vice presidents and \u201cof\u201d with deans. ex: Dr. Tom Faulkenberry, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For non-Tarleton State titles, confine capitalization to formal titles used directly before a person\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not capitalize when it follows a name or stands by itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Bob Smith addressed the crowd.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glenn Hegar, chancellor of The Texas A&M System, spoke at graduation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The president of the faculty senate was late, but the chairman of the Board of Regents was on time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, capitalize and abbreviate \u201cgovernor\u201d before that individual\u2019s name: The next speaker was Gov. Greg Abbott.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occupational titles are always lowercase. We met actor Meryl Streep, golfer Tiger Woods and director Peter Jackson at the fundraising dinner.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trademarks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the first mention of any trademarked brand, use the trade name followed by \u00ae or \u2122. After the first mention, use the trade name without the \u00ae or \u2122.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

U<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

United States<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spell out as a noun; abbreviate (with no space between the letters) as an adjective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The United States is a popular destination for international students.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The official U.S. policy has not changed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

URL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Omit the https:\/\/ in website addresses: <\/em>www.tarleton.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

V<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Versus\/vs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spell out versus in ordinary speech and writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposal to revamp Medicare versus proposals to reform Medicare and Medicaid at the same time<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short expressions, however, the abbreviation vs. is permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The issue of guns vs. butter has long been with us.<\/em> For court cases, use v.: Marbury v. Madison.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

W<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

-wide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not hyphenate \u201csystemwide\u201d when referring to The Texas A&M System. Similarly, do not hyphenate \u201cstatewide\u201d or \u201cnationwide.\u201d Hyphenate if the word preceding \u201c-wide\u201d is capitalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His achievements once were known only systemwide; today they are known Texas-wide.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Y<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Years<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, use the full four digits. Occasionally, the use of only the last two digits is preferred. Do not use an apostrophe to indicate spans of decades or centuries (1980s, the 1900s<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment for fall 2024 rose sharply.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He graduated in the 1990s.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Legislature is working on appropriations for the 2024-2025 biennium.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have plenty of travel money for FY 2024.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The banner read, \u201cThe Class of \u201992 welcomes you to Stephenville.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tarleton State University\u2019s Office of Marketing and Communications has developed written style guidelines to ensure consistency for official publications and other communications. The Associated Press Stylebook is the preferred source …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":580,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullwidth-background.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3262","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/author\/keegan-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2\/","display_name":"keegan"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 1 year ago","modified":"Updated 5 months ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on March 27, 2025","modified":"Updated on November 19, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on March 27, 2025 2:00 pm","modified":"Updated on November 19, 2025 4:34 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":false,"series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3262","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3262"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3262\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3498,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3262\/revisions\/3498"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/brand\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}