Updated Nov. 9, 2007

Download the guide (PDF)

For many years, writers and journalists the world over have relied on style guides to ensure correctness and consistency in punctuation, spelling, capitalization, abbreviations and usage. As its official style guide,Temple University has adopted The Associated Press Stylebook, which is derived from Webster’s New World College Dictionary.

Attached is the Temple University Editorial Style Guide (PDF), which contains style guidelines that are specific to Temple University (note that some are exceptions to the AP Stylebook.)

When writing, you should verify your style with the entries in the Temple University Editorial Style Guide, the AP Stylebook and Webster’s New World College Dictionary, in that order.

It is critical to maintain a consistent style throughout all your projects with regard to spelling, capitalization, abbreviations and usage. This helps ensure that your message is strong, clear, cohesive and professional.

When writing for academic journals/papers and industry-specific literature, please consult industry sources for the style appropriate in your publications.

For ongoing updates, discussion and questions about the Temple University Editorial Style Guide, visit http://tustyle.blogspot.com. Should you need further editorial guidance, please contact the Creative Services proofreader at proofrdr@temple.edu.

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Academic and Courtesy Titles

To verify current academic titles, check with the Office of Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at www.temple.edu/vpfaculty/appointments/ documents/faculty.titles_2006.doc

Coach: Uppercase when used before the name and in a direct quote when the first name is omitted. Lowercase after the name and when standing alone.

The Owls earned men’s basketball Coach John Chaney his 700th victory. "I’m really happy for Coach Chaney," former Temple star Aaron McKie said.

Dean: Uppercase when used before the name and in a direct quote when the first name is omitted. Lowercase after the name and when standing alone.

"With the addition of two new programs, we expect our enrollment to increase," said Dean John Smith. "We’re also looking into hiring new faculty," the dean added. John Smith, dean of the College of Arts, said he expected enrollment to increase.

Dr.: Use only when the person has a medical or doctoral degree (not for an honorary doctorate), but identify the particular degree in the text to avoid confusion.

1st mention: Gary Foster, PhD
2nd mention: Dr. Gary Foster -or- Dr. Foster

Endowed/Named Professorships, Chairs and Fellowships: Capitalize in all instances. On second reference, use "the professorship," "the fellowship," or "the chair."

Peter H. Huang is the first Harold E. Kohn Chair in Law. Stephen Hawking, the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, wrote A Brief History of Time.

Mr., Ms., Miss, Mrs.: Use these courtesy titles only in a direct quote.

Professor: Uppercase before a name, and lowercase after a name and when standing alone. Do not abbreviate.

The award was given to Professor Ed Trayes.

The award was given to Ed Trayes, professor of journalism.

The professor canceled class.

See also "Administrative Titles."

Academic Degrees

The use/non-use of periods within degree abbreviations is discretionary, but should be consistent throughout your document. For additional guidance in other uses, consult the AP Stylebook.

Steven Jones waited tables at night while earning his M.B.A. at Temple. He also earned his B.A. in history at Temple.

Joe earned his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Temple University. He also has two master’s degrees.

Some Temple University degrees and their corresponding abbreviations are:

Academic Departments, Offices, Centers, Institutes and Programs

Uppercase the names of all academic departments and the centers, institutes and programs they govern. However, lowercase when saying "the department," "the center," "the office." It is acceptable to reverse the word order and eliminate the word "of."

the Department of History; the History Department; the Center for Public Policy; the Social Work Department of the School of Social Administration

Administrative Titles

President, Provost, Chair:

Uppercase before the name, but lowercase when the title follows a name or stands alone. Use "chair" for both men and women. Avoid "chairman," "chairwoman."

Louise Miller, PhD, was named acting chair of the department until a permanent successor is found.

Vice President, Vice Provost, Trustee:

Uppercase before the name, but lowercase when the title follows a name or stands alone.

Vice President for Student Affairs Theresa A. Powell spoke at the luncheon.

Theresa A. Powell, vice president for Student Affairs, announced a new initiative.

There was one abstention, by Trustee Robert Rovner.

Robert Rovner is a trustee.

See also "Academic and Courtesy Titles."

Administrative Units

Capitalize the official names of all administrative units of Temple University on first reference. Afterward, use "the department," "the office," "the division."

If a unit has a well-known abbreviation or short form, it may also be used on second and subsequent references, but avoid overusing acronyms.

The Office of University Housing is responsible for issuing student housing assignments. On second reference: "the office," or "University Housing"

Institutional Advancement (formerly Development and Alumni Affairs)

Division of Student Affairs. On second reference: "the division," or "Student ADfairs"

Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. On second reference: "the center"

The Office of University Housing is on Liacouras Walk. Freshmen will be guaranteed University housing.

The Division of Student Affairs is aiming for better customer service; the division is headed by Theresa A. Powell.

The Office of Student Financial Services announced new features on its web site. They are part of a new effort by the office in partnership with the Division of Student Affairs.

To verify official names, spellings and abbreviations/acronyms of university administrative units, check with individual offices and divisions.

Some commonly misnamed units, and their correct names, are:

Campus Recreation (formerly Recreation Services)

Computer and Information Services

Department of Campus Safety Services (Campus Safety Services on second reference.) Also, Campus Police (never Temple Police).

Institutional Advancement (formerly Development and Alumni Affairs)

Office of Multicultural Affairs (formerly the Office of Affirmative Action)

Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies

Temple University Press (never Temple Press)

Advisor

At Temple, the preferred treatment is "advisor," not "adviser."

Alumnus, Alumni, Alumna, Alumnae

Use "alumnus" when referring to a man. Use "alumna" (plural "alumnae") when referring to a woman.

But use "alumni" when referring to a group that includes all men or both men and women. Avoid the colloquial "alum" or "alumni/ae."