|
Style is a tool that helps writers and editors maintain consistency within an organization or a single publication. In the University’s case, style helps all departments and offices present a unified, logical picture to the public through the printed materials they produce. BVU’s style guidelines should be abided by as much as possible in the interest of a unified University image.
BVU’s Office of University Marketing & Communications is charged with keeping publications in line with University style for consistency and helping ensure that publications present a positive image of the University. As a general style guide for preparing written material for publication, use the most recent edition of The Chicago Manual of Style (with the exception of press releases, which should use The Associated Press Style Guide). For points of style specific to BVU,
refer to the Written Style Guide below prepared by University Marketing & Communications.
Academic Calendar
References to academic year should drop first two numbers of second year:
2008-09 academic year
References to terms in general are not capitalized:
spring semester
interim session
References to specific terms are capitalized:
Fall 2008
January 2009 Interim
Academic Degrees
Avoid using acronyms like B.A. or B.S. or M.A.; instead use:
bachelor’s degree in biology
master’s degree in education
May use Ph.D. or doctorate
Costs
Do not use .00 for even dollar amounts.
Example: Admission is $5 for adults.
Courtesy Titles
Use the Dr. designation on the first reference to someone with a doctorate.
Do not use courtesy titles like Mr. or Ms. (use first and last name on first reference).
Use last names on subsequent references.
Dashes and Ellipses
Use an em dash with spaces before and after.
Do not use spaces before or after an ellipsis.
Dates and Times
Do not abbreviate the day of the week.
Use abbreviations for months:
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Use numbers for dates. Do not use 1st, 2nd, 15th, etc.
Leave off the year if reference is to current year.
Do not use :00 for times on the hour.
Use lowercase, with periods, for a.m. or p.m.
Noon and midnight are preferred over 12 p.m. and 12 a.m.
Example: The event will be held Monday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m.
Electronic Media Terms
The following spellings are preferred:
e-mail
home page
internet
online
URL
web site
Event Names
Always use the official names of events series:
Academic and Cultural Events Series (ACES)
Stolee Lecture
Tollefson Reformed Theology Lecture
William W. Siebens American Heritage Lecture Series
Job Titles
Provide title after name and do not capitalize:
Dr. John Smith, associate professor of music
Fred Moore, president of BVU
Capitalize academic titles only if they immediate precede the name:
Professor John Smith
President Fred Moore
Locations
Always use the official names of campus locations:
Anderson Auditorium
Ballou Building
Bradford Field
Buena Vista University Art Gallery
Buena Vista University Library
Constitution Hall
Dennis Young Indoor Track
Dixon-Eilers Hall
Edson Hall
Estelle Siebens Science Center
Finkbine Natatorium
Fritcher Fitness Center
Geisinger Student Leadership Center
Grand Hall
Harold Walter Siebens Forum
Harold Walter Siebens School of Business/Siebens Forum
J. Leslie Rollins Stadium
Lage Communication Center
Lamberti Recreation Center
Lehnus Campus Bookstore
Liberty Hall
Ohrlund Health Center
Pierce Hall
Schaller Memorial Chapel
Siebens-Lamberti Centers
Siebens Fieldhouse
Smith Hall
Social Sciences & Art Hall
Stewart D. Siebens Technology Center
Swope Hall
White Hall
Wood House
References to the University
Always use “Buena Vista University” on the first reference.
May use “the University” or “BVU” on subsequent references.
Do not use “Buena Vista” or “BV” or “B.V.U.”
Locations are collectively referred to as “Professional & Online Studies.”
Schools, Offices, and Departments
Schools are capitalized:
Harold Walter Siebens School of Business
School of Communication and Art
School of Education
School of Science
School of Social Science, Philosophy & Religion
Departments within the schools are not capitalized.
Offices are capitalized:
Business Office
Center for Academic Excellence
Facilities Management
Graduate Studies Program
Harold Walter Siebens Forum Office
Human Resources Office
Mail & Printing Services
Office of Admissions
Office of Financial Assistance
Office of the President
Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty
Office of the Vice President for Business Services
Office of the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Services
Office of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Office of University Communications
Purchasing Department
Registrar’s Office
Student Services Office
Spaces Between Sentences
Use one, not two.
State Names
Do not use postal codes. Use standard abbreviations for all but Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.
Telephone Numbers
Use figures and periods:
712.749.2400
For extension numbers, use ext. (not capitalized)
| 
