The NSU Editorial Style Guide was created to provide answers to commonly asked questions about language usage within the university community. The goal is to maintain consistency while establishing a set of standards that are intended to fit the majority of circumstances. These guidelines are not intended to be a complete resource, nor to replace the sources listed below. Following the standards set forth in these sources is not intended to restrict creativity in the production of marketing materials such as brochures, posters, banners, web, or other content written for a specific audience or to serve a specific intent.
In our daily work, the Office of Communications and Marketing follows standards set forth in the following widely accepted style guides:
We suggest that each department or college acquire access to these publications or refer to this style guide.
Northeastern State University should be referred to by its legislatively-approved name on first reference, and thereafter referred to as either Northeastern State or NSU (no periods).
The word university is not an abbreviation for the institution's name. When used alone, it should not be capitalized.
Previous names should only be used in the context of historical reference: Northeastern State Normal School, Northeastern State Teachers College, Northeastern State College, Northeastern Oklahoma State University.
Example She graduated from Northeastern State Normal School in 1914.
If it is necessary to distinguish us in writing from other educational institutions with Northeastern in their name, do so by adding (Oklahoma) after our full name: Northeastern State University (Oklahoma)
NSU has three campuses in Tahlequah, Broken Arrow, and Muskogee.Northeastern State University refers to the entire institution. When referring to NSU, it is implied that the main campus in Tahlequah is either the focus or is included. There is no accepted shortened reference to the Tahlequah campus. When referring specifically to the Broken Arrow or Muskogee campuses, it is appropriate to use a single dash between the name of the university and the campus name. However, when using only the acronym, no dash is used:
Examples NSU-Muskogee or NSUM NSU-Broken Arrow or NSUBA
Only abbreviate names of buildings when referring to them in the context of an address:
Examples J 212 SCI 123 UC 221
To find out the official abbreviation of a building, refer to the campus directory.
Otherwise, building names should be spelled out in their entirety:
Example The visitors stopped at the University Center for breakfast, progressed to the Synar Center at the Muskogee campus to attend a seminar, and were treated to a fabulous dinner in the Banquet Hall at NSUBA later that day.
NSU has six colleges:
Abbreviations for the colleges of Business and Technology, Education, Liberal Arts, and Science and Health Professions are sometimes used informally within the campus community (generally restricted to email correspondence). Initials should only be used in the most informal of contexts (such as emails within the university). Otherwise, the formal name of the college should be spelled out. When making an informal reference for general readers, the college should be referenced in lower case.
Example The group of prospective students will have an opportunity to tour the education college.
The exception to this rule is NSUOCO (one of 20 optometry colleges nationwide), widely known by its acronym. The name should be spelled out on first reference and thereafter may be abbreviated.
Names of departments should be capitalized if used formally, but lower-cased if the reference is informal or incomplete, or if listed as part of an individual's title, following the name.
Examples The Department of Social Work will host a meeting later this year. We are making plans for a meeting that the social work department will host. Nancy Garber is director of communications and marketing at NSU. The Office of Communications and Marketing is located in the Journalism Building.
The "H" in RiverHawk is distinctively capitalized – not to cause confusion, but in lieu of a space between River and Hawk.
Examples The name of the NSU mascot is Rowdy RiverHawk. NSU is home of the RiverHawks. There are 10 RiverHawk athletics teams on campus.
When referring to our previous nickname, the Redmen, always capitalize the word. A single individual is appropriately referred to as a Redman.
When writing, courtesy titles may be used, but are not necessary.
The institutional standard is to refer to individuals by their first and last name in writing other than formal documents. Where names appear in published material other than academic works, the use of Dr. is discouraged and the person is identified as holding a doctoral degree.
Dr. is not a preferred courtesy title, but should be used only as formal title in a formal document.
In instances where courtesy titles should be used, Dr., Mr., Mrs., and Ms. are abbreviated when used before a name. When choosing to use Mrs. or Ms., please be certain to use the subject's preferred title. If a courtesy title is used, then titles must be applied to all university personnel cited in the editorial copy.
When using a title to indicate the achievement of a terminal degree, choose a format that precedes the name or follows it, but not both:
Examples Dr. Don Betz or Don Betz, Ph.D. President Don Betz holds a doctorate degree in international affairs. Dr. Don Betz, Ph.D. is redundant redundant.
When referring to the president of the university or a vice president, dean, or professor, spell out the title before the name.
Example President Betz joined Vice President Mark Kinders, Dean Kay Grant, and Professor Craig Clifford for a meeting after lunch.
NSU uses for when referring to areas presided over by vice presidents and of in references to college and administrative deans.
Examples Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Vice President for Finance and Administration Vice President for University Relations Dean of Student Affairs Dean of Enrollment Management Dean of the College of Education Dean of NSU-Muskogee
Assistant Professor and Associate Professor should not be abbreviated when listed before a name. When listed after a name, the titles should be lower case.
When referring to an individual for whom two courtesy titles would be appropriate, choose one or the other, and include the other identifying title if necessary (or refer to it later in the text):
Examples - Appropriate President Don Betz or Dr. Don Betz Dr. Don Betz, president of Northeastern State UniversityExample - Not Appropriate President Dr. Don Betz
Director should be followed by the name of the department. The preferred style is to list the name, then follow with the title in lower case:
Example - Appropriate Nancy Garber, director of communications and marketing,Example - Not Appropriate Director of Communications and Marketing Nancy Garber (too many capital letters is distracting to the reader)
Titles that should be spelled out before the name include Principal Chief, Mayor, and Chancellor.
Titles such as Rep., Sen., Gov., and Rev. may also be abbreviated before a name, but should not be abbreviated if mentioned in a direct quote.
Examples Gov. Brad Henry and Sen. Jim Wilson were greeted by Mayor Ken Purdy and several NSU student leaders as they disembarked at Tahlequah Municipal Airport. "I discussed the budgetary issues with Governor Henry and Senator Wilson," said one of the students.
Capitalize U.S. Congress and Congress when referring to both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Use numerals when referring formally to a specific congressional district:
Examples Dan Boren currently represents the 2nd Congressional District of Oklahoma. Many NSU students live in Oklahoma's second congressional district.
On first reference, insert the maiden name in parentheses. Thereafter, refer to the individual by her maiden name. However, if she continues to use her maiden name in addition to her married name, use both on second reference as well (using a hyphen if appropriate):
Examples Mary (Munn) Battenfield returned for Homecoming activities last fall. Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford and Dr. Denise Deason-Toyne greeted Mrs. Battenfield when she arrived on campus.
The correct reference for retired male professors is emeritus, emerita is used for a female, and the plural is emeriti.
Examples Emeritus Professor Lowell Lehman returned to campus on Founders Day. Dr. Lowell Lehman, emeritus professor, influenced many students at NSU. Professors emeriti be involved in the dedication ceremony.
Capitalize and italicize the names of books, magazines and e-newsletters:
Examples The university published a book about our history in 2009 entitled Roots From the Cherokees, Promises For Our Future: The Chronicle of Northeastern State University. Members of the NSU Alumni Association receive Imprints twice annually.RiverHawks Daily is sent to all campus email addresses every day. A review of the news and activities is available monthly in Reflections: The Official Newsletter of Northeastern State University.
Thinking of the Internet as a worldwide , virtual publication will make it easier to remember that the word is always capitalized.
Example She searched the Internet for all articles recently published about NSU.
Acronyms are formed when the first letters in the words of a proper name form their own capitalized word. They are popular because they are often easier to remember than the name itself.
Examples NASA: Native American Student Association RUSO: Regional University System of Oklahoma
Initials are the first letters of the words comprising the proper name, and are usually repeated individually:
Examples NSGA: Northeastern Student Government Association FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation
On first reference, spell out the complete name and list the abbreviation in parentheses. Avoid using abbreviations and acronyms that the reader might not understand.
Example The Northeastern Student Government Association (NSGA) offers students the opportunity to hone their leadership skills.
The exception is reference to Northeastern State University.
Example In 1846, Northeastern State University was founded as the Cherokee National Female Seminary. The oldest building at NSU is Seminary Hall.
Two-letter abbreviations require periods, but periods should not be used for three or more letters. NSU is always written without periods.
Examples a.m., p.m., U.S., R.N. GRE, GPA, ACT, ROTC
Use U.S. only as an adjective and United States as a noun.
Example To be elected to the U.S. Senate, you must be a citizen of the United States.
Do not use ampersand in place of the word and. It should be used only if part of an official name of a company, product, or other proper noun, or as part of an email address.
Use the following abbreviations with NSU degrees:
Examples Bachelor of Science – B.S. Bachelor of Arts – B.A. Master of Arts – M.A. Master of Science – M.S. Master of Education – M.Ed. Master of Business Administration – M.B.A. Doctor of Optometry – D.O.
Use lower case for informal references to the degree and capitalize formal degree names. Do not capitalize the names of majors, minors, emphases, areas of concentration, or subject areas.
Example They both earned bachelor's degrees. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and he has a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology.
A standard set of three- and four-letter department abbreviations is used with the course titles in all catalogs and class schedules. They are set in solid caps with no periods.
Course abbreviations should only be used when followed by a course number as part of a listing, and never in written prose:
Examples I am enrolled in English 3313 this semester. To enroll in this class, check the schedule for the course that reads ENGL 3313.
Use lower case for generic terms, even when designating the year:
Examples She is enrolling in classes for fall semester. Chemistry classes for the 2010 fall semester are filling quickly.
Do not abbreviate March, April, May, June, or July. Abbreviate January, February, August, September, October, November, and December only when used with a specific date.
Example NSU became a state institution on March 6, 1909. The first classes were held at Northeastern State Normal School on Sept. 14, 1909.
In writing, avoid abbreviating dates with numerals, such as 03/06/09. Use periods to separate the month, date and year for graphic design purposes only.
In university publications, list the graduation date of an alumnus after the name, in parentheses, and use an apostrophe to replace the century.
Example Harold Battenfield ('59) recently retired as an orthopedic surgeon.
When writing for general readership, confirm the individual is a graduate and indicate the year.
Example Carrie Underwood, a 2006 NSU graduate, sang the National Anthem.
City and other geographic names, while they may be abbreviated in speech, should be spelled out. Broken Arrow, Fort Gibson, Port of Catoosa are appropriate. The exception is the Saint in St. Louis or St. Paul.
Names should be spelled out when used in prose, and abbreviated only where appropriate, including datelines in news articles and when referring to elected officials.
Example Dan Boren, D-Okla., represents Oklahoma's second congressional district.
Enclose the name of a state or nation with commas when it appears with a city.
Examples The university's newest branch campus is located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. You are invited to tour the university's main campus in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The alumni meeting was held at a Dallas, Texas, restaurant.
Use traditional abbreviations in writing prose, and save the U.S. Postal Service two-letter abbreviations for envelopes. Note that not every state has an abbreviation:
Typically, a period, exclamation point or question mark is used to end a sentence. Leave only one space – not two – before beginning the next sentence.
Use in place of letters or numbers. Can't, don't, it's (for it is) are examples of contractions in which the apostrophe takes the place of missing letters.
Example '90s uses an apostrophe to represent 19.
Do not use an apostrophe between the number and the s in either instance 1990s is correct; 1990's is possessive.
Examples Fans of the 1990's musical group still buy their CDs. She was born in the 1990s and listens to '60s music.
To form a possessive, use an apostrophe followed by an s, even when the person's name ends in an s or with another sibilant (a letter that sounds like 's'). No apostrophe needed for his, hers, ours, yours, theirs.
Examples John's car was parked in front of the Betz's house. Kansas's football team does not subscribe to Marx's ideology.
Always use an apostrophe when writing about a bachelor's degree or master's degree.
Use an apostrophe if failing to do so would cause confusion.
Examples Mind your p's and q's. He earned 5 A's for the semester.
Do not use an apostrophe if you want to indicate the plural of an acronym or abbreviation.
Examples She holds three Ph.D.s Her children learned their ABCs at the store that sells TVs.
Decide whether to use 'a' or 'an' before an acronym based on how it will sound to the listener's ear:
Examples Students are encouraged to join an NSU organization. The information was retrieved from a UN website.
Do not put a comma before the conjunction in a simple series.
Example Our school colors are green, white and black.
However, use a comma if not doing so would create confusion.
Examples The class was required to read Pride and Prejudice, War and Peace, and the poems of Robert Frost before their final exam. To graduate, she must take English, and health and physical education.
Do use a comma between two proper nouns or between a year and a noun.
Examples When she performed on campus, Carrie drew an enthusiastic crowd. In 2008, Dr. Don Betz was appointed president of Northeastern State University.
Use a comma to set off age
Example Joe, 18, is a freshman this year.
Commas always go inside quotation marks.
Example "I'll see you at the football game," she said.
No comma is needed between the month and year, or season and year, unless a specific date is indicated. Do use a comma when the text continues after the month .and date.
Examples The first book signing was held in November 2009. The dedication of the Sequoyah statue took place on March 6, 2009.
Do not use a comma to set off Jr., Sr., Co., Corp., or Inc.
Example Thomas O'Malley Jr. is president of the RiverHawk Corp.
Use a comma to separate an introductory clause from a main clause and before the conjunction to separate two complete clauses. It is not necessary to put a comma before every conjunction.
Examples When Rowdy RiverHawk appeared on the football field, the crowd cheered. The first half of the show featured musical favorites from the '60s, and the performers greeted audience members in the lobby during intermission. The homecoming floats traveled north on Muskogee Avenue and parked on the walking track adjacent to the stadium before the game.
For numbers 10 and above, use numerals. Spell out nine and below, except when referring to semester hours, ages, and percentages.
Examples NSU offers more than 50 undergraduate degrees on three campuses. He interviewed a student who is taking 6 semester hours and spends 25 percent of his time outside class in the John Vaughan Library. Alumni with children under the age of 3 are invited to submit two photos each.
The standard format for listing phone numbers uses parentheses around the area code, followed by a space, the three-digit prefix, a dash, and four digits.
Example (918) 456-5511
Do not use periods between numbers. When possible, publish direct lines instead of extensions
Example (918) 444-2880 is preferred over (918) 456-5511, ext. 2880.
Northeastern State University's home page is found at www.nsuok.edu. However, with today's intuitive search engines, it is not necessary to include the prefix "www" in order to access the page. Simply type nsuok.edu as the url.
E-mail is short for "electronic mail." Use the standard spelling of e-mail with a dash. E-mail addresses should be used in the standard format: username@nsuok.edu