Updated: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 <\/p>\n\n
Section titles are capitalized based on appropriate language usage.<\/p>\n\n\n
In general, avoid unnecessary abbreviations in running text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Correct: Professor Jones won the award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Incorrect: Prof. Jones won the award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An exception would be when an exact date is listed. The months Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. should be abbreviated (e.g., She was born on Aug. 3, 2004.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With entities whose abbreviations are not well known, spell out the entity\u2019s name on first reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Correct: The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the first reference will be followed with a second reference, the first reference should also include the abbreviation or acronym set off in parentheses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Correct: The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The AACSB was founded in 1916 to provide accreditation to schools of business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well known acronyms and initialisms can be used on first reference without spelling out the entity\u2019s name. Some examples: FBI, IBM, NASA, NBA, NFL, SAT.<\/p>\n\n\n
Use AP Style: If mention of degree(s) is necessary to establish someone\u2019s credentials, the preferred form is to avoid an abbreviation and use instead a phrase such as: John Jones, who has a doctorate in psychology.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Use an apostrophe in bachelor\u2019s degree, a master\u2019s,<\/em> etc. There is no possessive when writing Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, or associate degree.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Use such abbreviations as B.A., M.A., LL.D. and Ph.D.<\/em> only when the need to identify many individuals by degree on first reference would make the preferred form cumbersome. Use these abbreviations only after a full name \u2014 never after just a last name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When used after a name, an academic abbreviation is set off by commas: John Snow, Ph.D., spoke.<\/em> Do not precede a name with a courtesy title for an academic degree and follow it with the abbreviation for the degree in the same reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct: Aaron Furgason, Ph.D. Use Dr.<\/em> only for medical doctors. Faculty members should be referred to by their professorial titles (e.g., Professor Jones, Assistant Professor, Specialist Professor)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use periods in academic degrees and professional and honorary designations. For example, B.A., B.S., Ph.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baccalaureate<\/em> is reserved for use in commencement materials and in accreditation language required by accrediting organizations. In all other instances, bachelor<\/em> or bachelor\u2019s<\/em> is preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n Capitalize the formal names of departments and offices; do not capitalize informal names and incomplete designations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct: the Office of Undergraduate Admission This is the preferred spelling in all official Monmouth University communications.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable for an American Black person of African descent. Also acceptable is Black<\/em>. The terms are not necessarily interchangeable. People from Caribbean nations, for example, generally refer to themselves as Caribbean American<\/em>. Follow a person\u2019s preference.<\/p>\n\n\n Not afterwards<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Use the correct form of the word:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alumna<\/em> denotes a singular female.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary Smith is an alumna of Monmouth University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alumnae<\/em> denotes plural female.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The women are Monmouth University alumnae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alumni<\/em> denotes plural male and plural when both men and women are included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob, Mary, and the rest of the alumni group participated in the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alumnus<\/em> denotes a singular male.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob Jones is an alumnus of Monmouth University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never use casual terms alum<\/em> or alumn<\/em>. See also \u201cclass years<\/a>\u201d below.<\/p>\n\n\n Use only as part of formal corporate and publication names. Otherwise spell out and<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n Not backwards<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Capitalize the formal names of buildings, places, and centers. Examples: In general, put the building name first followed by the room number:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bey Hall, Room 208<\/p>\n\n\n\n For large auditoriums, put the room first followed by the building name:<\/p>\n\n\n\n H.R. Young Auditorium in Bey Hall<\/p>\n\n\n\n See the list below for specific guidance on building and place names:<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Samuel E. and Mollie Bey Hall<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. Use of \u201cthe sculpture garden\u201d is acceptable on subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Boylan Gym<\/strong> is acceptable in subsequent references. Formal use: William T. Boylan Gymnasium<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n See the center of distinction<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use on first reference. The bowling center is acceptable in subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references. Formal use: Thomas Alva Edison Science Building.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use on first reference. In subsequent references, \u201cErlanger Gardens\u201d or \u201cthe gardens\u201d is acceptable. Formal use: Charles and Rebecca Erlanger Memorial Gardens.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references. Formal use: Patricia L. Swannack ’02 Gateway<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Use of the \u201cthe Great Hall\u201d is also acceptable on first reference. Formal use: the Great Hall at Shadow Lawn.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Great Hall at Shadow Lawn Annex<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Use of the \u201cthe Guggenheim Library\u201d is also acceptable on first reference. \u201cThe library\u201d is acceptable in subsequent references. Formal use: Murry and Leonie Guggenheim Memorial Library<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. \u201cHesse Field\u201d or \u201cthe field\u201d is acceptable in subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: James and Marlene Howard Hall.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Henni Kantor Kessler and John H. Kessler Stadium.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. In subsequent references, \u201cLakehouse\u201d is acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Samuel Hays Magill Commons.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Robert E. McAllan Hall.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. In subsequent references, Monmouth<\/em> or the University<\/em> (note capitalization) are acceptable. Capitalize the word \u201cUniversity\u201d whenever referring to Monmouth University, even though the word Monmouth may not precede it. Exception: follow AP Style for all press releases and media communications, i.e., use lowercase u when referring to the university.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not use \u201cMU\u201d in official publications. Avoid the use of \u201cMU\u201d when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. In subsequent references, \u201cthe Fitness Center\u201d or \u201cthe center\u201d are acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. In subsequent references, \u201cthe Graduate Center\u201d is acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: H. William and Sandra I. Mullaney Hall.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference, and never abbreviate in subsequent references. Use of \u201cthe arena\u201d is also acceptable on subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Jules L. Plangere Jr. Center for Communication and Instructional Technology.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Steven J. and Elaine Pozycki Hall.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Joan and Robert Rechnitz Hall.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. \u201cThe gallery\u201d is acceptable on subsequent references provided it won\u2019t be confused with other galleries on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. Use of \u201cthe field\u201d is acceptable on subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Student Center is also acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Rebecca Stafford Student Center.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Richard E. Steadman Natatorium.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use the full name on first reference. Use of \u201cthe community garden\u201d or \u201cthe garden\u201d is acceptable on subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. Formal use: Lauren K. Woods Theatre.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Both are acceptable on first reference.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Avoid capitalization of generic terms (e.g., master\u2019s degree, bachelor\u2019s degree).<\/p>\n\n\n The formal names of departments, offices, programs, committees, and institutions are capitalized; informal names and incomplete designations are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Department of Computer Science; the computer science department; the department<\/p>\n\n\n\n Student Tactical Action Committee (STAC); the committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n Office of Marketing and Communications; the marketing and communications office; the office<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Monmouth University Board of Trustees; the trustees; the board<\/p>\n\n\n The formal names of special events are capitalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: Avoid over-capitalization of titles. In running text, a title is capitalized when it immediately precedes a person\u2019s name (becoming, in effect, part of the name). The title is not capitalized when it follows a name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: Vice President for Enrollment Management Robert D. Mc Caig Dean of the School of Science Joseph F. Coyle; Professor of English Kristin Bluemel; Richard Guilfoyle, professor emeritus of mathematics<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exceptions: A title may be capitalized when it appears on the line following the name (for example, on a letter, poster, or invitation or in running lists).<\/p>\n\n\n When referring to Monmouth University, \u201cUniversity\u201d is always capitalized, except when used in press releases or media communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The formal names of buildings, schools, and places are capitalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: The formal names of standardized tests are capitalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: Lowercase unless part of a name. Spell out numerals under 10. Use ordinals for 10 and above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: the first century, 12th century, 20th Century Fox<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. “the Center” or “the Centers” are acceptable in subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University is also acceptable on first reference. In situations when Monmouth University<\/em> becomes repetitive or when it is absolutely clear that the Archives is a part of the University, you may drop the University’s name from the title: Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On subsequent references, the Center<\/strong>, or Springsteen Center<\/strong> is acceptable. Formal use: Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music. Formerly named the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music until Jan. 13, 2026. Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. On subsequent references “the Polling Institute” is acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references.<\/p>\n\n\n Designate graduation years as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joe Jones \u201988 Note the direction of the apostrophe. It is the same as a regular possessive e.g., Steve\u2019s hammer<\/p>\n\n\n\n Capitalize \u201cclass\u201d in all \u201cClass of\u201d references. Example: Members of the Class of 1970 gathered in the Great Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n The colon can be used to mark a break in grammatical construction equivalent to that marked by the semicolon. But the colon emphasizes the content relation between the separated elements, helping to expand upon the first sentence (e.g., Many of the policemen held additional jobs: Thirteen of them doubled as cab drivers.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n A colon is used to introduce a formal statement, an extract, or a speech in dialogue. Monmouth University uses the serial or Oxford comma. In a series consisting of three or more elements, commas separate the elements. When a conjunction joins the last two elements in a series, a comma is used before the conjunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Place the comma when necessary before a closing quotation mark, after a closing parenthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not use a comma to separate \u201cJr.\u201d, \u201cSr.\u201d, \u201cII\u201d, etc. from a person\u2019s name (e.g., John Doe Jr.; NOT John Doe, Jr.) Exception: when an individual specifically indicates they style their name with a comma.<\/p>\n\n\n One word<\/p>\n\n\n COVID-19 stands for coronavirus disease 2019, and should be used when referring to the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. When referring to the virus itself, use coronavirus<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n Dashes separate, hyphens join.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, use a hyphen to join two or more words that come before a noun to modify it, except with words ending in -ly. (e.g., The smartly dressed man bought the newspaper-wrapped fish.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n An em dash (represented by two hyphens when typing) is used to denote a sudden break in thought that causes an abrupt change in sentence structure (e.g., \u201cWill he\u2014can he\u2014obtain the necessary signatures?\u201d Mills asked pointedly.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n An en dash is used to connect continuing, or inclusive, numbers including dates, times, or reference numbers. Examples: Mills attended from 1998\u20132001. The meeting is scheduled for 5\u20138 p.m. (See also \u201cRanges<\/a>\u201d entry below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The en dash is also used in a compound adjective when one of the elements of the adjective is an open compound or when two or more of the elements are hyphenated compounds: New York\u2013London flight; post\u2013Civil War period; non\u2013English\u2013speaking countries.<\/p>\n\n\n Never use ordinals (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) in dates, unless part of an existing, official title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Capitalize the names of all months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exact dates are written in the sequence month-day-year, with the year set off by commas. (e.g., The events of April 18, 1775, have long been celebrated in song and story.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that when an exact date is listed, the months Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. should be abbreviated. (e.g., She was born on Aug. 3, 2004.) When a month and year (but no day) is given, no comma is needed and the month should always be spelled out completely. (e.g., The study is expected to run through August 2018).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Years are expressed in numerals. Rather than beginning a sentence with a year, it is best to recast the sentence. (example: \u201cThe company was founded in 2002\u201d is preferable to \u201c2002 was the year the company was founded.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n The word \u201cdegree\u201d should not follow an abbreviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorrect: She has a B.A. degree in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct: She has a B.A. in English When referring to degrees in general, the first letter of the degree should be lowercase. Formal names of degree programs should be used upon first reference.<\/p>\n\n\n Use Dr.<\/em> in first reference as a formal title before the name of an individual who holds a doctor of dental surgery, doctor of medicine, doctor of optometry, doctor of osteopathic medicine, doctor of podiatric medicine, or doctor of veterinary medicine: Dr. Jonas Salk<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The form Dr.<\/em>, or Drs.<\/em> in a plural construction, applies to all first-reference uses before a name, including direct quotations. Do not continue the use of Dr.<\/em> in subsequent references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not use Dr.<\/em> before the names of individuals who hold other types of doctoral degrees. Instead, when necessary or appropriate: Cassandra Karoub, who has a doctorate in mathematics, was lead researcher. U.S. first lady Jill Biden, who has a doctorate in education, plans to continue teaching. U.S. second gentleman Doug Emhoff, a lawyer, is joining the faculty of Georgetown Law.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a list: Stephanie Sanchez, Ph.D.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not use Dr.<\/em> before the names of individuals who hold only honorary doctorates.<\/p>\n\n\n Do not show .00 (zero cents) when figures are mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n Use an ellipsis (\u2026) to indicate words left out of quoted material. Place a space before and after the ellipsis as if it were a three-letter word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the ellipsis is at the end of a completed sentence, use a four-point ellipsis. The four-point ellipsis is also used to indicate one or more sentences have been omitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not use an ellipsis at the front or start of a sentence quote. Instead, capitalize the first letter of the first word and put it in brackets. (\u201c[T]he times that try men\u2019s souls.\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n Also, Email<\/em>, but never e-mail<\/em>. However, use hyphens for e-book, e-commerce, e-reader<\/em>. Email<\/em> is acceptable as a noun or verb.<\/p>\n\n\n Educational Opportunity Fund<\/em> on first reference<\/p>\n\n\n Use of \u201cetc.\u201d is discouraged in formal writing, although it is more acceptable in lists, tables, direct quotations, and parenthetical series. Set off by commas; an alternative treatment is to punctuate it like any other final element in a series.<\/p>\n\n\n The word faculty can be used as a plural noun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The faculty are all in agreement. Here\u2019s how to refer to a faculty member:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cynthia Huntington, the Frederick Sessions Beebe \u201935 Professor in the Art of Writing, has a new book of poems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n English professor Michael Waters is a poet. Brendan Nyhan is a professor of government. Use as a noun or transitive verb.<\/p>\n\n\n One word<\/p>\n\n\n Note that there is no hyphen when referring to Monmouth\u2019s program.<\/p>\n\n\n No hyphen is used when referring to Monmouth\u2019s graduation requirement. However, first-year student<\/em> is hyphenated.<\/p>\n\n\n Do not use freshman when referring to a first-year student.<\/p>\n\n\n One works full time doing full-time work.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable on first reference. When spelled out, \u201cgrade point average\u201d (no hyphens, open compound) is correct.<\/p>\n\n\n Use lowercase when referring to the animal in general. Capitalize Hawk<\/em> when referring to the University mascot or campus member.<\/p>\n\n\n Two words in all uses<\/p>\n\n\n When using initial capitalization style for a headline, capitalize the title\u2019s first word, last word, and all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, and subordinating conjunctions. Articles, coordinating conjunctions, and prepositions are lowercased.<\/p>\n\n\n Two words<\/p>\n\n\n It is best to use gender-neutral language when writing. Don\u2019t say \u201che\u201d when referring to an unspecified person. Instead, recast the sentence into the plural, or avoid the use of pronouns altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: Each student is expected to turn in his paper on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n better: If it\u2019s impossible to solve the problem using these approaches, remember that \u201che or she\u201d is preferable to \u201che\/she.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid gender-specific titles or terms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n instead of … say With a lowercase i<\/p>\n\n\n Lay<\/em> is a transitive verb. It needs an object to complete its meaning: to put down or place; to cause to lie or deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lie<\/em> is an intransitive verb. It does not take an object: to be or put oneself in a reclined position usually on a horizontal space of some sort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: You can lay your book on the nightstand before you lie down in bed.<\/p>\n\n\n Acceptable in all references for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender<\/em>, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning and\/or queer<\/em>. In quotations and the formal names of organizations and events, other forms such as LGBTQIA<\/em> and other variations are also acceptable with the other letters explained. I<\/em> generally stands for intersex<\/em>, and A<\/em> can stand for asexual<\/em> (a person who doesn’t experience sexual attraction), ally <\/em>(some activists decry this use of the abbreviation for a person who is not LGBT but who actively supports LGBT communities) or both. Use of LGBT<\/em> or LGBTQ<\/em> is best as an adjective and an umbrella term. Don’t use it, for instance, when the group you’re referring to is limited to bisexuals. Walters joined the LGBTQ business association. Queer<\/em> is an umbrella term covering people who are not heterosexual<\/em> or cisgender<\/em> and is acceptable for people and organizations that use the term to identify themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n If there is a reference to an individual, use first and last names in initial reference, last name only in subsequent references. Avoid nicknames unless specifically requested by individual. As a rule of thumb use job or professional titles in the initial reference, but no social titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct: Professional title: Dr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: Dr. Jonas Salk<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorrect: Social title: Mr., Mrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: Mr. Jonas Salk<\/p>\n\n\n Capitalize the proper names of nationalities, peoples, races, tribes, etc.: Arab, Arabic, African, American, Caucasian, Cherokee, Chinese<\/em> (both singular and plural), Eskimo<\/em> (plural Eskimos<\/em>) or Inuit, French Canadian, Japanese<\/em> (singular and plural), Jewish, Nordic, Sioux, Swede,<\/em> etc.<\/p>\n\n\n Generally use without hyphen, but hyphen can be used, and is generally used when the base word begins with a capital letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: nonprofit, non-Euclidean geometry<\/p>\n\n\n Spell out one through nine. Use numerals for 10 and above, with the exception of ages, which are always given in numeral form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct: There were seven students living on the floor. All numerals beginning a sentence are written out, no matter the length, or if it would normally be expressed in figures. If it is too cumbersome to write out, reword the sentence so the numeral is not at the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thirteen squirrels ran across the Great Lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Write figures out numerically if they are used with a percentage sign for scores, court decisions, vote tallies, ratios, and similar constructions. Use figures with million<\/em>, billion,<\/em> or trillion<\/em> in all except casual uses: I\u2019d like to make a billion dollars<\/em>. But: The nation has 1 million citizens<\/em>. I need $7 billion.<\/em> The government ran a deficit of more than $1 trillion.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Use commas for figures 1,000 and above. A comma is used every three numbers from the right to left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are indicating a rank or a position use the No. (abbreviation for number).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For very large sums of money use figures with a dollar sign; spell out million or billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n $2.6 million; between $3 and $4 billion<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n The hyphen is used when off-campus is used as a compound modifier. No hyphen is needed when used as a prepositional phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: The students live off campus. The students live in an off-campus apartment. The on-campus dining options are plentiful. Most students prefer to eat on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n one word<\/p>\n\n\n Use one space after the period at the end of sentences.<\/p>\n\n\n When using \u201c(s)\u201d to show that a word can be either singular or plural\u2014for example, item(s)\u2014treat the word as a plural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct: The item(s) were blue.<\/p>\n\n\n Quotation marks are used to denote direct quotes from other author\u2019s sources. They are traditionally put into double marks \u201c \u201d and the author is given credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quotation marks are also used to express dialogue. Single marks \u2018 \u2019 are generally used to express quotations within quotations; double marks, quotations within these; and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: \u201cDon\u2019t be absurd!\u201d said Henry. \u201cTo say that \u2018I mean what I say\u2019 is the same as \u2018I say what I mean.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n It is preferable to write out \u201cto\u201d or \u201cthrough\u201d instead of using en dashes when expressing ranges or spans in text documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: The season runs from September\u2013December. When expressing spans, write out the years in full (e.g., 1998 to 2001 instead of \u201998\u2013\u201901.) Do not take shortcuts when writing out ranges if it could lead to the slightest misinterpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n On first reference, spell out the full name of the school:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honors School On subsequent references, it is acceptable to use colloquialisms such as \u201cthe school,\u201d \u201cthe business school,\u201d \u201cthe nursing school,\u201d etc. Do not use acronyms\/abbreviations\/initialisms unless absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n The four seasons are lowercased, unless personified or used to denote a specific academic semester or part of an official name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n spring, Father Winter (as a person) Of oneself or itself: refers to the direct object of the implied transitive verb. A hyphen always follows the prefix<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: self-taught<\/p>\n\n\n A semicolon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. It should always be used between the two parts of a compound sentence when those parts are not connected by a conjunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can\u2019t go out tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can also be used to mark a series or list of words when the punctuation of those sets of words are complicated (e.g. The membership of the international commission was as follows: France, 4; Germany, 5; Great Britain, 1; Italy, 3; the United States, 7.<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n See entry above for \u201cplural or singular<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Use one space after the period at the end of sentences.<\/p>\n\n\n The names of states, territories, and possessions of the United States should always be given in full when standing alone. When they follow the name of a city or some other geographical term, it is preferable to spell them out except in lists, tabular matter, notes, bibliographies, indexes, and mailing addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n Do not put the area code in parentheses. Format with hyphens. (e.g., 800-571-3456)<\/p>\n\n\n That<\/em> has been long regarded as introducing a restrictive clause, and which<\/em> has been used to introduce a nonrestrictive clause. Although the distinction is often disregarded in contemporary writing, it can lead to misreading or uncertainty. Which<\/em> clauses are set off by commas, but that<\/em> clauses are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: The team, which went 11-0 last season, is off to a great start this year. Use the spelling established by the department or club or that is part of the official name. For example, Pollak Theatre and Lauren K. Woods Theatre. Use theater<\/em> in all other references.<\/p>\n\n\n Use figures except for noon and midnight. Do not use :00 for times on the hour. Use lowercase with periods for a.m. and p.m. unless the text is stylized with capitalization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: The program is televised at 2:30 a.m. We will be meeting her at 5:35 p.m. The concert ended at midnight. The movie is starting at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n Civil, military, religious, and professional titles and titles of nobility are capitalized when they immediately precede a personal name, as part of the name (e.g., President Buchanan was born in Cove Gap, Pa.). When such titles are used in apposition to a name, they are not part of the name and so are lowercased (The emperor who was Maximilian).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For formal usage, such as acknowledgments and lists of contributors, titles following a personal name can be capitalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use Dr. only for medical doctors. Faculty members should be referred to by their professorial titles (e.g., Professor Jones, Assistant Professor, Specialist Professor).<\/p>\n\n\n Put quotation marks around the titles of books, movies, plays, poems, albums, songs, operas, radio and television programs, lectures, speeches, and works of art. Do not put quotation marks around websites, titles of journals, holy books, or magazines. When using the possessive case of a title, set the apostrophe and \u201cs\u201d in the printed type of the body copy. (e.g., The Iliad\u2019s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Software titles should follow the style of the market name as to spelling, symbols, and capitalization. Do not enclose the name within quotation marks unless it will cause confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n Not towards<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Not upwards<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Use periods when abbreviated (U.S.) except in headlines.<\/p>\n\n\n Avoid breaking the address at the end of a line. If it must be broken, do not hyphenate the broken address. In most cases, you may drop the beginning \u201chttp:\/\/\u201d or \u201chttps:\/\/\u201d as well as with www. from the URL. It is understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorrect: https:\/\/www.monmouth.edu Spell out versus<\/em> in ordinary usage. (e.g., It\u2019s us versus them.) The names of legal cases use v. (roman or italic), The use of vs. is usually used in written text or titles of matches.<\/p>\n\n\n The short form of World Wide Web. Lowercased unless it is the first word in a sentence. Also, website<\/em>, webpage, webcast, webmaster<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n See \u201cthat or which<\/a>\u201d entry above<\/p>\n\n\n Who<\/em> is the subject; whom<\/em> is the object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When someone is the subject of a sentence, clause, or phrase, use who<\/em>. (Who is there?) Use who<\/em> whenever you can substitute she, he, we, they<\/em>, or I<\/em> in the who clause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When someone is the object of a verb or preposition, use whom<\/em>. (Whom do you wish to see?) Use whom<\/em> whenever you can substitute him, her, them, me<\/em>, or us<\/em> as the object of a verb or preposition.<\/p>\n\n\n When, in running text, a word or term is referred to as the word or term itself, and is not being used functionally to convey its meaning, it is commonly set in italics or quotations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples: Note capitalization<\/p>\n\n\n Use all caps for ZIP<\/em> and lowercase code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Incorrect: Dr. Aaron Furgason, Ph.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\nacademic departments and administrative offices<\/h2>\n\n\n
Department of Chemistry
the chemistry department
the department<\/p>\n\n\n\n
the admission office
the office<\/p>\n\n\nadvisor<\/h2>\n\n\n
African American, Black<\/h2>\n\n\n
afterward<\/h2>\n\n\n
alumni<\/h2>\n\n\n
ampersand<\/h2>\n\n\n
backward<\/h2>\n\n\n
buildings, places, centers<\/h2>\n\n\n
In general, omit the first name of the person for whom a building or center is named, unless the reference is for formal, memorial, or ceremonial purposes (e.g., formal invitations, citations, donor acknowledgment).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pozycki Hall
Woods Theatre
Plangere Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n600 Art Building<\/h3>\n\n\n
Alumni House<\/h3>\n\n\n
Athletics Building<\/h3>\n\n\n
Beechwood Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Bey Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Birch Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Lois Blonder Sculpture Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n
Boylan Gymnasium<\/h3>\n\n\n
Brockriede Commons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music <\/h3>\n\n\n
Cedar Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Ciniello Family Bowling Center<\/h3>\n\n\n
DiMattio Gallery<\/h3>\n\n\n
Doherty House<\/h3>\n\n\n
Edison Science Building<\/h3>\n\n\n
Elmwood Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Erlanger Memorial Gardens<\/h3>\n\n\n
Garden Apartments<\/h3>\n\n\n
the Gateway <\/h3>\n\n\n
Great Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Great Hall Annex<\/h3>\n\n\n
Great Hall Auditorium<\/h3>\n\n\n
Great Lawn Apartments<\/h3>\n\n\n
Guggenheim Memorial Library<\/h3>\n\n\n
Health Center<\/h3>\n\n\n
Hesse Field on the Great Lawn<\/h3>\n\n\n
Howard Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Kessler Stadium<\/h3>\n\n\n
Lakehouse Recording Studios<\/h3>\n\n\n
Laurel Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Magill Commons<\/h3>\n\n\n
Maplewood Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
McAllan Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Dr. Marilyn McNeil Arena<\/h3>\n\n\n
Monmouth University<\/h3>\n\n\n
Monmouth University Fitness Center<\/h3>\n\n\n
Monmouth University Graduate Center<\/h3>\n\n\n
Mullaney Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Nagy Common<\/h3>\n\n\n
Oakwood Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
OceanFirst Bank Center<\/h3>\n\n\n
Pinewood Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Plangere Center<\/h3>\n\n\n
Pollak Gallery<\/h3>\n\n\n
Pollak Theatre<\/h3>\n\n\n
Pozycki Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Rechnitz Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Redwood Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Rotary Ice House Gallery<\/h3>\n\n\n
So Sweet A Cat Field<\/h3>\n\n\n
Spruce Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Stafford Center<\/h3>\n\n\n
Steadman Natatorium<\/h3>\n\n\n
Torcivia Common<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Virginia A. Cory Community Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n
Willow Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
Woods Theatre<\/h3>\n\n\n
University Bluffs Apartments or University Bluffs<\/h3>\n\n\n
capitalization<\/h2>\n\n\n
departments, offices, committees, the Board of Trustees<\/h3>\n\n\n
events<\/h3>\n\n\n
Opening Convocation; Senior Exhibition; Graduate Information Session; International Festival; Commencement.<\/p>\n\n\npeople<\/h3>\n\n\n
President Patrick F. Leahy;
Patrick F. Leahy, president of Monmouth University;
the president<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert D. Mc Caig, vice president for enrollment management<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joseph F. Coyle, dean of the School of Science
the dean of the School of Science;
the dean<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kristin Bluemel, professor of English;
the professor<\/p>\n\n\n\nplaces<\/h3>\n\n\n
Pollak Theatre; the theatre
Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies; the nursing school<\/p>\n\n\ntests<\/h3>\n\n\n
American College Testing (ACT)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Advanced Placement (AP) test
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)<\/p>\n\n\ncentury<\/h2>\n\n\n
Centers of Distinction<\/h2>\n\n\n
Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\nCenter for the Arts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Institute for Global Understanding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Kislak Real Estate Institute<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Monmouth University Polling Institute<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Urban Coast Institute<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
class years<\/h2>\n\n\n
Jane Jones \u201989M (indicates a graduate degree recipient)
John Jones \u201907, \u201910M (use commas to separate multiple class years)
Bobbi Brown \u201917HN (indicates honorary degree recipient)<\/p>\n\n\n\nco-chair<\/h2>\n\n
coeducation<\/h2>\n\n
colon<\/h2>\n\n\n
A colon is commonly used to introduce a list or a series.
Capitalize the first word after a colon when it is a proper noun or the first word in a complete sentence.<\/p>\n\n\ncomma<\/h2>\n\n\n
coursework<\/h2>\n\n\n
COVID-19<\/h2>\n\n\n
dash\/hyphen<\/h2>\n\n\n
dates<\/h2>\n\n\n
degrees<\/h2>\n\n\n
or
She has a bachelor\u2019s degree in English.
or
She has a Bachelor of Arts in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They all earned master\u2019s degrees. She holds a bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\ndoctor<\/h2>\n\n\n
dollars and cents<\/h2>\n\n\n
ellipses<\/h2>\n\n\n
email<\/h2>\n\n\n
EOF<\/h2>\n\n\n
et cetera; etc.<\/h2>\n\n\n
extracurricular<\/h2>\n\n
experiential<\/h2>\n\n
faculty<\/h2>\n\n\n
Faculty members are co-chairing the event.
Faculty are co-chairing the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Michael Waters is a member of the English department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor of Government Brendan Nyhan writes for The New York Times<\/em> blog The Upshot. Professor Brendan Nyhan writes opinion pieces for The Times<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\nfax<\/h2>\n\n\n
fieldwork<\/h2>\n\n\n
First Year Advising<\/h2>\n\n\n
First Year Seminar<\/h2>\n\n\n
first-year student<\/h2>\n\n\n
full-time, full time<\/h2>\n\n\n
GPA<\/h2>\n\n\n
hawk<\/h2>\n\n\n
health care<\/h2>\n\n\n
headlines<\/h2>\n\n\n
home page<\/h2>\n\n\n
inclusive (gender-neutral) language<\/h2>\n\n\n
Students are expected to turn in their papers on Tuesday.
or
The students\u2019 papers are due on Tuesday.
or
Each student is expected to turn in his or her paper on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
chairman … chair
businessman … business executive, manager
cameraman … camera operator
coed … student, female student
congressman … representative, senator
fireman … firefighter
forefathers … ancestors
foreman … supervisor
mailman … mail carrier
Dear Sir … Dear Director, Coordinator, Manager<\/p>\n\n\ninternet\/intranet<\/h2>\n\n\n
lay, lie<\/h2>\n\n\n
LGBT, LGBTQ<\/h2>\n\n\n
names<\/h2>\n\n\n
nationalities and race<\/h2>\n\n\n
non<\/h2>\n\n\n
numerals<\/h2>\n\n\n
Correct: There are 17 students living on the floor.
Correct: Sarah is 4 years old. Joshua is 6 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7% or 7 percent; 270% or 270 percent<\/p>\n\n\n\noff-campus, off campus\/on-campus, on campus<\/h2>\n\n\n
online<\/h2>\n\n\n
period<\/h2>\n\n\n
plural or singular<\/h2>\n\n\n
post-master\u2019s<\/h2>\n\n
quotation marks<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
ranges<\/h2>\n\n\n
Better: The season runs from September to December.<\/p>\n\n\n\nschools<\/h2>\n\n\n
Leon Hess Business School
Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies
School of Education
School of Science
School of Social Work
Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\nseason names<\/h2>\n\n\n
fall, Fall 2014<\/p>\n\n\nself-<\/h2>\n\n\n
semicolon<\/h2>\n\n\n
singular or plural<\/h2>\n\n\n
spacing<\/h2>\n\n\n
state names<\/h2>\n\n\n
telephone numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n
that or which<\/h2>\n\n\n
The team that wins this game will advance to the finals.<\/p>\n\n\ntheater\/theatre<\/h2>\n\n\n
time<\/h2>\n\n\n
titles of people<\/h2>\n\n\n
titles of works<\/h2>\n\n\n
toward<\/h2>\n\n\n
upward<\/h2>\n\n\n
United States<\/h2>\n\n\n
URLs<\/h2>\n\n\n
Correct: monmouth.edu<\/p>\n\n\nversus (v., vs.)<\/h2>\n\n\n
web<\/h2>\n\n\n
which or that<\/h2>\n\n\n
who or whom<\/h2>\n\n\n
words as words<\/h2>\n\n\n
Correctness<\/em> and justness<\/em> are not synonyms.
\u201cCorrect\u201d and \u201cjust\u201d are not synonyms.<\/p>\n\n\nworldwide<\/h2>\n\n
World Wide Web<\/h2>\n\n\n
ZIP code<\/h2>\n\n\n
Table of Contents<\/h2>\n
\n