How Text Fits Into the Marywood University Graphic Identity System

Marywood University is the official name of this institution. All content originating from the University should use this name. As an acceptable second reference, writers may use Marywood or the University.

When making historical references to the institution and when citing information about alumni who graduated prior to 1997, it is acceptable to simply use Marywood to avoid confusion between college and university designations. One of the few instances in which College would be used is within the text of Marywood’s history. However, if an alumna/us prefers using College in reference to her/his educational background, defer to the graduate’s preference.

Established Marywood University descriptive content should be included in some part of all publications in either a full or condensed format:

About Marywood University (Full Version):

Marywood University, located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, is a comprehensive, independent, private, Catholic institution. Marywood offers many of the advantages of a large university, including more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees taught by outstanding faculty, along with 23 Division-III varsity athletics teams and a competitive esports program. Marywood’s small, safe, residential location offers a community-based environment, which provides students with a friendly atmosphere and a high level of personal attention. Marywood University is in close proximity to state parks, outdoor activities, and major metropolitan areas, further enhancing the overall student experience. At Marywood, students discover their passion and realize their purpose.

About Marywood University (Condensed Version):

Marywood University, Scranton, Pa., a comprehensive, independent, private, Catholic institution, offers many of the advantages of a large university, with more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, 23 Division-III varsity athletics teams, and a competitive esports program. At Marywood, students discover their passion and realize their purpose.

Compliance Statement

The Marywood University compliance statement should be used in every publication (except formal invitations) and on web pages, as deemed appropriate. It follows:

Marywood University, in accordance with applicable provisions of federal law, does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities, including admission, or with respect to employment. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Yerodin Lucas, Executive Director of Equity & Inclusion/Title IX coordinator, Marywood University, Scranton, PA 18509-1598. Phone: (570) 340-6042 or e-mail: ylucas@marywood.edu. 

Spelling

British Spellings

Don't use them in University publications, except for theatre and amphitheatre, which should be spelled as shown to conform to University style and in accordance with formal named locations on campus.

The Munley Theatre is located in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts.

The Calabro Delfino Amphitheatre features The Seekers, sculptures created by Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM.

Capital, Capitol

Capital can refer to several things, including (1) a city serving as a seat of government; (2) net worth; (3) something that is serious or important; and (4) a style of alphabet letter.

Capitol refers to a building or group of buildings in which the functions of the state legislative government are carried out. When capped, it refers to the building in Washington, D.C. where the U.S. Congress meets. Capitol Hill refers to the legislative branch of the U.S. government.

Catalog

Use this spelling in all cases.

Class Years

It is University style to always capitalize the word "class" in reference to a specific year.

Columbia/Colombia

Be aware of the difference between Columbia (the school) and Colombia (the country). Also, it's precolumbian art (prior to Columbus' 1492 voyage).

Company Names, abbreviations with

Abbreviations such as Bros., Co., Corp., Inc., Ltd., and & are commonly used in names of firms. In straight text it is best to spell the name in its full form, but Inc. or Ltd. is usually dropped:

In notes, bibliographies, lists, etc., the abbreviations above may be freely (if consistently) used:

Course Work

Course work is two words.

Data, Datum

Data is plural; datum is singular

Database

This is typically listed as one word.

Ensure or Insure

The dictionary says these two are synonymous with each other and with guarantee, assure, and secure. But only insure can be used with anything pertaining to insurance. It's less confusing for readers to use ensure in noninsurance matters and insure for insurance.

Foreword

A brief introduction in a publication (usually written by someone other than the author and used only in lengthy publications) is called a foreword—NOT a forward. It's easy to remember if you think about what it is—a few words before the main text.

Media/Medium

Media is plural; medium is singular. Never use mediums as a plural form.

Page/Volume

Use p. to abbreviate page; pp. to abbreviate pages.

When referring to the volume number of a publication, use vol. (do not cap).

Plurals of Names

Make a plural out of a name by adding s or es-no apostrophe.

Possessives, Plurals

Make singular nouns possessive by adding 's and make plural nouns possessive by adding only an apostrophe.

When a plural noun ending in s is more descriptive than possessive, it is permissible to omit the apostrophe. (This is University style.)

Possessives of Singular and Proper Nouns That End in S

If a singular noun ends in an s, add only an apostrophe to make it possessive. Use the same rule for names. (This is University style.)

Proper Nouns as Adjectives

Generally, when a proper noun is used, it is spelled out. When a proper noun or phrase is used as an adjective, it may be abbreviated.

USA, however, when used, has no periods.

Résumé

Use two acute accent marks, one on each e. This spelling is University style.

"Saint" Names and Prefixes to Geographic Names

Place names beginning with Saint or Sainte should be spelled out in full. (In French "Saint" names, the Saint is almost always hyphenated.)

When Saint is part of a personal name, the named person's preference should be followed.

Double-check the names of universities, hospitals, and churches with Saint in their names:

Other prefixes of most geographic names should be spelled out:

Theatre

University style says spell this one tre unless it's part of a formal name that's spelled er.

Through

Not thru.

Under way or Underway

Under way is conventionally two words when it functions as an adverb or a predicate adjective. It is usually one word, underway, when it is an adjective preceding its noun. However, English’s compounding impulse may eventually make underway the preferred term in all contexts. In fact, many edited publications already use only the one-word form, even as a predicate adjective.

Vita/Vitae

Vita is singular; vitae is plural. However, use curriculum vitae for the singular form, curricula vitae for the plural.

Word Usage

A, an

When referring to an abbreviation or acronym, use the appropriate article for the way the abbreviation is spoken, not spelled. Thus: an M.B.A., an M.S., an FBI agent. 

Acronyms

Although people at Marywood University refer to various facilities and programs by acronyms in speech and internal publications (such as LC for the Learning Commons), in University publications writers should not use acronyms except for those commonly used both inside and outside the University community (such as NASA and the FBI). If an acronym must be used to spare readers confusion, spell out the full name on the first mention, with the acronym in parentheses following.

We study in the Learning Commons (LC) often. We enjoy being able to study and buy coffee in the LC.

Alphabetizing

See the Chicago Manual for a guide to alphabetizing.

Chair; Chairperson

Use chair or chairperson, even if you know the gender of the person involved

Comprise

This word means include or encompass, so, the seminars may comprise undergraduate and graduate students, but the seminar is composed of students. The whole comprises the parts; the parts compose the whole.

Data, Datum

Data is plural; datum is singular.

Disabled, Handicapped

A person with disabilities is preferred over a disabled person for University publications. Handicapped is often used in government publications, but should be avoided for general use, as it has derogatory origins and is no longer an acceptible term within the community of those with disabilities.

Etc.

When listing items following i.e. or e.g., it is not necessary to include etc.

Ensure or Insure

The dictionary says these two are synonymous with each other and with guarantee, assure, and secure. But only insure can be used with anything pertaining to insurance. It's less confusing for readers to use ensure in noninsurance matters and insure for insurance.

Faculty-Plural or Singular?

Faculty, like other collective nouns, is used with the singular form of a verb when considered one unit and with the plural form of a verb when considered as a group of individuals.

Fewer/Less

Use less for a single quantity and fewer for number:

In some cases, even when a number is used, the thought is of a single quantity. For example:

Foreword

A brief introduction in a publication (usually written by someone other than the author and used only in lengthy publications) is called a foreword-NOT a forward. It's easy to remember if you think about what it is-a few words before the main text.

Media/Medium

Media is plural; medium is singular. Never use mediums as a plural form.

More than/Over

When referring to something that can be counted, use more than rather than over.

Quality

The word quality should be qualified. To write that the college has built a quality program leaves open the question of the degree of quality. For clarity, use high-quality as an adjective.

Sexual Stereotyping

Avoid all sexual stereotyping, as in Today's secretary is a busy woman.

Use chair or chairperson rather than chairman or chairwoman, even if you know the person's gender.

Use he or she or, preferably, the sex-blind plural they.

Avoid terms such as maid service (make it housekeeping service); salesmanship (change to effective selling).

That/Which

There is a difference between that and which. Use that for restrictive clauses (clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence). Use which for nonrestrictive clauses-clauses that, if removed, would not change the meaning of the sentence. Set off the nonrestrictive clause with commas. (If a sentence has two thats in it, and the reader may be confused, it's OK to substitute a which for one of the thats.)

Title or Entitle

Entitle means to give title to; title means to provide a title for or call by a title:

Unique

Avoid using the term unique as a descriptor, because virtually nothing is unique. Opt instead for terms such as individual, distinctive, uncommon, special, rare, etc.

Who/Whom

As Theodore Bernstein wrote in The Careful Writer, an easy way to determine which to use is to turn a clause into a sentence. Who is a nominative, and therefore would match she, for example, in usage terms. Whom would match her.

See The Careful Writer for a detailed clarification of who/whom usage.

Numbers

Numbers or Words?

Spell out numbers lower than 20 in nonscientific text. If a number higher than 20 is rounded off or approximated, spell it out in nonscientific copy. Otherwise, 20 and higher are numerals in text. For charts and graphs, use numerals.

Treat numbers in the same sentence alike: if there's a three-figure number in the sentence, make all the numbers figures, as long as the figures all relate to the same items.

Ages should be expressed in numerals. (This is University style.)

Use either a figure or a word, not both. Five rooms, not five (5) rooms. Delete the parentheses and the 5.

Use the up-to-20-spelled-out/higher-than-20-numeral rule for ordinal numbers (first, second, 90th, 120th, 223rd, etc.). This applies to numbered street names as well: Fifth Avenue, Fourteenth Street, 42nd Street.

Addresses

In street addresses, building numbers are usually written in arabic numerals: 2300 Adams Avenue. However, when a building's name is also its address, the number is spelled out: One Park Place.

Class Years

There has been much discussion regarding this topic. It has been determined that all class years of alumni or students should be written after the individual's full name (not between a woman's maiden name and married name). Do not use a comma between the name and the year.

It is important to note the reasoning behind this practice:

• A class year applies to a person, not to the person's name. Even if a person changes his or her name, the class year still applies to that person.
• Technically speaking, the class year is a modifier, and as such should never be placed in the middle of a proper noun, e.g. a person's name.
• Automatic line spacing by computers often creates a situation where a class year could fall at the end of a line. If it were between a person's name, it would splice the person's full name. If a comma divided the class year and name, the class year would subsequently be separated from that person's name. In addition to being incorrect in format, these placements could cause great confusion for the reader.
• Additionally, the prospect of pairing a class year next to a maiden or graduation name would mean that writers would need to evaluate every case to determine whether a person's name had been acquired prior to or after graduation before verifying a class year placement. This practice is tedious as well as erroneous.
• Finally, aesthetics play a role - it simply looks better and more consistent to use a class year following the person's full last name.

Credits, Units

Always use numerals: 3 credits; 18 credits in history; a 3-credit course; 4 units of English; 1 unit of geometry; 2 units of a foreign language. Also, use numerals when referring to credit hours.

(Note use of "in" with credits and "of" with units.)

Decades and Eras

No apostrophe: 1920s; 1980s; mid-1970s; spell out thirties; forties; fifties; sixties; etc.

A decade would only include an apostrophe if it was being used as a possessive modifier.

Numerals are use for years followed or preceded by era designations, and words are used for centuries. The abbreviations for eras, or systems of chronology, are conventionally set in small caps (typeface about two points smaller than rest of text). 

Among the most frequently used era designation are A.D. (anno Domini, "in the year of the Lord"); B.C. (before Christ); C.E. and B.C.E. ("of the common era" and "before the common era"--equivalent to A.D. and B.C.) Also note that B.C., B.C.E., and C.E. come after the year. However, A.D. comes before the year. Because anno Domini is Latin for "in the year of the Lord," and we always say "in the year of the Lord" before the year (so the "in year of our Lord 2023").

Finally, our University style follows the conventional manner of punctuating these era designations. However, The Chicago Manual of Style, lists eras in capital letters with no periods (e.g., BC). As with most style decisions, consistency is key! Don't mix styles.

The choice of which era designations to use is up to the writer and should be flagged only if the customs of a specific field or community seem to be in danger of being (unwittingly) violated. Many authors use B.C. and A.D. because they are familiar and conventionally understood. Those who want to avoid reference to Christianity are free to do so.

Enumerations - Second, Third

In some cases, such as edition numbers in reference lists, ordinal numbers are expressed in numerals (4th ed., for example). Unlike the Chicago Manual, University style calls for second and third to be enumerated as shown: 2nd; 3rd. (Chicago Manual calls for 2d; 3d.) Spell out ordinal numbers in straight text: first, seventeenth, twenty-third.

Fractions

Fractions generally are too cumbersome to spell out and should be expressed in numerals, but judge each case on its own.

Money

Spell out or use figures according to the general rule (one through nineteen spelled out, 20 and higher in numerals). If you spell out the number, then spell out the currency reference and vice versa.

Although it is technically correct and acceptable to show an even dollar amount in a sentence with .00 after the amount, it is preferred to eliminate the decimal and zeroes for ease of reading.

If you are preparing a brochure or other publication about a conference that has an application fee, use the dollar symbol and numerals. That's easier for readers to pick out when they're looking for the cost.

More than/Over

When referring to something that can be counted, use more than rather than over.

Multiple-digit Numbers

Use a comma for four-digit and larger numbers (except dates): 3,500; 60,000.

 For very large numbers, use figure and word: 1.2 million, $90 million.

No. and Number

Lowercase and use numeral with no. Whether to abbreviate or spell out depends on the nature of the publication. Spell out number in text, abbreviate in listings, charts, or graphs.

Number Is or Number Are

A number are available; the number is specific.

Numbers at the Beginning of a Sentence

Always spell out numbers at the beginning of a sentence. Rearrange the sentence if spelling out the number makes it cumbersome. Avoid putting numbers next to numbers; separate the numbers with words if possible.

Parts of Books

Use numerals when you are referring to parts of a book.

Percent

Always use numerals; spell out percent in text: 15 percent; 9.2 percent. Use the % symbol in charts, graphs, and scientific and mathematical material.

Plurals of Spelled-out Numbers

Plurals of spelled-out numbers are formed like plurals of other nouns.

Quantities as numerals with abbreviations

If a quantity is used with an abbreviation, the quantity always should be expressed in numerals. If a symbol is used with the quantity, use a numeral. For two or more in quantity, the symbol should be repeated:

Round Numbers

Approximate figures in hundreds, thousands, or millions should be spelled out. Very large figures should be written as numerals, whether they are approximated or not.

Scientific Text

In mathematical, statistical, technical, or scientific text, use figures. In ordinary text, treat the numbers according to University style, as explained in this section.

Times of Day

Although times of day are often spelled out in text, in most University material, the time of day is important for scheduling purposes; thus, University style has come to be the figure and a.m. or p.m. in both text and schedule listings. Note that a.m. and p.m. are not capitalized.

When possible, drop p.m. or a.m. in the first instance, rather than repeat it, unless there are differences in the times of day that require using both a.m. and p.m. in one reference.

To avoid confusion, use noon and midnight rather than 12:00 p.m. (noon) and 12:00 a.m. (midnight). Don't capitalize noon or midnight unless it is the first word of the sentence.

When preparing a conference agenda, if there are concurrent sessions that begin at the same time but end at different times, list the shorter one first:

Punctuation

For further guidance on punctuation, consult a grammar and usage guide, but be consistent with whichever style you choose.

Ampersand

Use ampersands (&) only in charts, tables, or lists of companies, where the ampersand is part of the company's official name. Use and in text.

Brackets

Use brackets for parentheses within parentheses and for editorial interpolations or word substitutions in quotations.

Use brackets to enclose editorial explanation.

Use brackets to set off phonetic transcripts of words.

Colon

If a colon introduces a complete sentence, more than one sentence, a formal statement, quotation, or speech in a dialogue, capitalize the first word of the sentence. If the colon introduces a sentence fragment, do not cap the first letter.

A colon commonly is used to introduce a series or list. The terms as follows or the following require a colon if followed directly by the illustrating or enumerated items or if the introducing clause is incomplete without those items:

The colon is used when a sentence is intended to come almost to a complete stop:

However, when a sentence is not intended to be interrupted, a colon should NOT be inserted between a verb or preposition and its object:

A colon is used between the place of publication and the publisher's name in bibliographical references:

Commas

Compound sentences

Use a comma to separate parts of a compound sentence, placing the comma before the conjunction. Sentences with two verbs or verb clauses joined by and do not usually include a comma before the and. Use commas to set off a nonrestrictive or dependent clause (usually introduced by which). Do not use a comma with a restrictive clause (usually introduced by that, and usually the type of clause needed-which is often overused and incorrectly used).

Dates

Month, day, year:

Month and year only, no comma:

Inc.

Use a comma before and after Inc. in text.

 Jr., Sr., III

The Chicago Manual recommends that Jr., Sr., II, III, IV, etc., not be set off by commas unless the sentence structure dictates that a comma be used after.

Serial Comma

Use a comma after the next-to-last item in a series.

State Names in Text

Use a comma before and after a state name/abbreviation when it's used with a town or city name in text. Do not abbreviate Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas, or Utah. Use the ZIP code abbreviation for mailing addresses.

Note: Depending on the style, abbreviations can be used in postal/zip code format (typically, two letters, capped) or traditional abbreviations, which vary, depending on the state (some are several letters followed by a period, such as Pa. or N.Y., some are completely spelled out (and therefore not abbreviated, as listed above); see chart following examples.

Street Addresses in Text

Use a comma at the end of a street address in text, if more copy follows.

Ellipsis Points ( ... )

Avoid the use of ellipsis points if at all possible. They make the sentence harder to read and understand. Ellipsis points are appropriately used to indicate the omission of material from within a quotation, not as a way to "trail off" or pause. When ellipsis points are used within a sentence, use three. When ellipsis points are used between sentences, use four, the first or last of which serves as the period for the first sentence, depending upon where the omitted material occurs. Always use spaces between and around ellipsis points. See the Chicago Manual for more detailed rules on the use of ellipsis points.

Hyphens, Dashes

(Also see the "To Hyphenate or Not to Hyphenate" section.)

A general rule is that hyphens link items and dashes separate items.

A hyphen joins words to form compound adjectives or is used to attach certain prefixes or suffixes to words.

The dash that is usually typed as two hyphens (--) is typeset as an em dash (—). It indicates a break in thought and can be used within a sentence to insert a parenthetical phrase. Neither a double hyphen nor an em dash should have spaces on either side.

The en dash (-) is used between ranges of numbers or dates, or between adjectival phrases containing two-word concepts (1984-87; pp. 123-34; New York-Dallas flight). En dashes do not have spaces on either side. Do not use an en dash to replace a hyphen.

If you need a detailed description, see the Chicago Manual.

Lists

The easiest way to set off items listed vertically in a typed manuscript is to use either em dashes or dot points; whatever style you choose, be consistent. With sentence fragments in a series (vertical), it's best not to use punctuation at the end of each line. However, if you do choose to punctuate for a special reason, be consistent with the punctuation marks.

If the listed items complete a sentence, use a semicolon after each item and a period after the last item. Do not place and before the last item.

If the items in a vertical list are complete sentences, cap the first word and put the appropriate punctuation at the end of each item.

If you decide to use numerals or letters with a list, use a period after them, not parentheses:

Numbers or letters enumerating items in a list within a paragraph should be enclosed in parentheses and should not be followed by a period:

M.B.A./MBA

The degree is M.B.A., with periods, in all references. However, when referring to the program or to a person who has earned the degree, use MBA-no periods, no spaces. Plural: M.B.A.s, MBAs.

Quotation Marks

Quotation marks go inside semicolons and colons, outside commas and periods. Question marks and exclamation points go inside the quotation marks if they are part of the quote and outside if they are not. For more details, see the Chicago Manual.

Items that should be in quotation marks: direct quotes; song titles; short poems; essays; television and radio programs; short story titles; article titles; parts of books (chapters or sections). For more complete information, see the Chicago Manual.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

Note the apostrophe; no periods with abbreviation.

Semicolon

The following words are considered adverbs rather than conjunctions and should be preceded by a semicolon when used between clauses of a compound sentence: then, however, thus, hence, indeed, yet, so. Semicolons also are used to join complete sentences where a period would create too much of a pause in the train of thought:

Veterans Administration (V.A.)

Use periods with this one.

Spacing

Academic degrees

Capitalize the first letter of each abbreviated part of an academic degree. Use periods and do not use spaces among the letters.

Between Sentences and After Punctuation

Because of the automatic typesetting feature inherent in computer/digital content software, it is not necessary to put two spaces after end-of-sentence punctuation, as it used to be when copy was manually typewritten. All punctuation should have only one space, if any, after it, to ensure visually appealing copy that is easy to read.

Breaking Names at End of Line

When two initials and a last name are in text, it is preferred that the entire name be on one line. If a break must be made, it should be after the initials, never between the initials.

Dashes

Do not insert spaces on either side of a dash. (See "Punctuation")

Initials in a Name

When a person uses two initials and a last name, a space should be inserted between the initials. A space also should be inserted between the last initial and the last name.

But, no space between two-letter abbreviations (i.e., U.S., P.O.).

Phone Numbers

Use hyphens to separate the area code from the exchange and the exchange from the number: 814-863-1870.

Post Office Box

The post office's machinery has trouble reading typed envelopes unless the addresses are in all caps with no punctuation except for the hyphen in the "plus four" zip code.

Zip Codes

In narrative text, use one space and proper punctuation between the state and zip code. However, when addressing a piece of mail, space twice between the city and the state abbreviation and the state abbreviation and the zip code. (This is done because digital mail processing readers do not require punctuation.)