University of Michigan - Flint

University of Michigan-Flint

University Stylebook


The University of Michigan and the University of Michigan-Flint have established style preferences in reference to the institutions, their programs and facilities. In addition, the publishing world works with a set of style rules for consistency. Two regularly referenced style books are The Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. The dictionary is also a dependable reference for grammar and spelling issues. University Relations is available to provide assistance as well.



THE UNIVERSITY NAME


USE OF “THE”
In practice, the name of the University often is used with the article “The,” with a capital “T.” It is used in the seal. However, the article was never officially adopted as part of the name. Therefore, when referring to the University of Michigan-Flint in text (within a sentence), use a lower case “t” in “the”-as in this sentence. When the name stands alone, as on stationery, a brochure cover or in giving the address, it is preferred that “The” be used with a capital “T.”

Examples”
Today, the University of Michigan-Flint announced…

The University of Michigan-Flint
Office of University Relations, 206 NBC
303 E. Kearsley Street
Flint, MI 48502-1950




TITLES
UM-FLINT FACILITIES
Proper Name
   Preferred Abbreviation


Leonald A. and Zelpha E. McKinnon Plaza
McKinnon Plaza

Henry Howland Crapo Room
The Crapo Room

Central Energy Plant
CEP

David M. French Hall
French Hall

Frances Willson Thompson Library
Thompson Library

Harding Mott University Center
UCEN

Harrison Street Parking Ramp
Harrison Street Parking Ramp

Library Annex
Library Annex

Mill Street Parking Deck
Mill Street Parking Deck

Plant and Service Building
Hubbard

Recreation Center
Rec Center

University Pavilion
UPAV

William R. Murchie Science Building
MSB

William S. White Building
White Building or WSW

Willson Park
Willson Park




DEPARTMENT/OFFICE TITLES


Only the full and proper title of the department or office should be capitalized in publication

TEXT:
The Department of Biology and the Office of Admissions announced today…

VERSUS:
Two biology majors are working with admissions staff to…

EXCEPTION:
Students and faculty of the English, Spanish, and French language programs…
Students will be requ ired to take placement tests in history, mathematics, English, and science…

FACULTY AND STAFF TITLES
Publication industry guidelines for the use of professional and courtesy titles for individuals associated with the University will be followed by University Relations to ensure publication consistency. Some of the most often used rules follow.

COURTESY TITLES
Avoid the use of Miss, Mrs., Mr., Ms before full or last names. If required, use them consistently before the names of both males and females referenced within the text.

CAPITALIZATION
As a general rule, official names are capitalized; unofficial, informal, shortened, or generic names are not. This rule applies to names of offices, buildings, schools, departments, programs, institutes, centers, and so on. Therefore, the noun in a phrase such as the center, the institute, or the new museum is not capitalized.

Example:
As a general rule, official names are capitalized; unofficial, informal, shortened, or generic names are not. 
 

 Official Name Unofficial Name Informal, Shortened or Generic Name
 the Office of the Registrar the registrar's office this office/the registrar
 the Department of Physics the physics department the department
 the Center for English Language Training the center 





FORMAL TITLES

  1. Capitalize professional or academic titles immediately before the name(s).
    Interim Chancellor Jack Kay
    Exception:
    vice chancellors Dave Barthelmes and Kristen Skivington
  2. Lower case and set off by commas professional or academic titles immediately following the name(s).
    Jack Kay, interim chancellor, announced today …
  3. In print, the abbreviation Dr. in front of names is reserved for medical doctors. To identify individuals who have earned doctorates in philosophy or education, the name should be followed by Ph.D. or Ed.D., set off by commas.
    Mary Jo Sekelsky, Ed.D., announced today…
  4. University specific titles should be verified by using the latest edition of the University of Michigan Directory. (Additional verification may be required due to job changes and promotions.)
  5. Many campus professionals may have more than one title. Choose the most appropriate title to the content of the publication. Over titling will interfere with the communications process.
    Interim Chancellor
    Jack Kay
    Professor of Communication
    Jack Kay, interim chancellor
    Jack Kay, communication professor

    NOT:
    Professor of Communication and Interim Chancellor of University of Michigan-Flint Jack Kay, Ph.D., announced today …




ETHNICITY

When referring to individuals or groups by their ethnicity, African American, Caucasian, etc., are capitalized. References using acceptable terms of color, black, or white, are not capitalized.


University Relations