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.

D

Dean

See "Academic Titles."

Dean's List

The word is singular possessive, taking an apostrophe, and is capitalized.

Degrees

See "Academic Degrees."

Departments

See "Academic Departments" and "Administrative Units."

E

Ethnicity

The preferred nomenclature is as follows, hyphenated when used in adjective form:

African American
eg. African-American history
Asian American
Caucasian American
Latino American
Hispanic American
Native American
Multi-ethnic

H

Healthcare

One word in all instances.