Clemson’s editorial guidelines are a collection of styles to be followed in all promotional and marketing materials. They are not intended as guidelines for academic materials.
For the most part, we follow the Associated Press Stylebook use Merriam-Webster’s New World College Dictionary as our first source dictionary. There are some styles that are unique to Clemson as well.
Visit the complete editorial guide for more information.
Here are a few examples:
The University’s Name
Use the entire formal name — Clemson University — for the first reference. In subsequent references, use Clemson or the University. Capitalize University when referring specifically to Clemson University.
Do not abbreviate the name to CU.
College, School, Center, Department and Program Names
In first reference, include Clemson University when referring to units within the University. Do not use a possessive.
Example: The Clemson University College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
NOT
Clemson University’s College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
Spell out the complete, correct name at first reference.
Example: School of Education
NOT
The Eugene T. Moore School of Education
In subsequent references, the entire name is not necessary. Capitalize only any proper names in the generic name of the department, major, etc.
Example: He is dean of the Glen Department of Civil Engineering.
BUT
She majored in civil engineering.
Academic and Professional Titles
Capitalize titles in front of the name; do not capitalize these titles when they follow the name.
Example: Clemson University President James P. Clements
James P. Clements, president of Clemson University.
Professor and Dean Anand Gramopadhye
Anand Gramopadhye, professor and dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
Exception: In lists, addresses or table, capitalize titles as needed.
Do not use Ph.D. and Dr. with the same name.
Example: James P. Clements, Ph.D. or Dr. James P. Clements
In general, AP Stylebook uses “doctor” only in first reference to individuals who hold the degree of doctor of dental surgery, doctor of medicine or doctor of veterinary medicine. The University recognizes the importance of the Ph.D. or Dr. in certain circumstances in order to establish credibility but generally does not use the title in marketing communications.
Do not abbreviate assistant or associate. It is not a flattering abbreviation.
