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Editorial Guide

Being consistent — whether in our editorial style, our voice, how we avoid jargon, the way our name is written or even how we use punctuation — shows our audience that there’s competence behind the words, and that the message is deliberate and thought-out. Consistency strengthens our reputation and makes the brand more recognizable.

Of course, there are times to make exceptions. For instance, a social media post may use slang that wouldn’t be appropriate in a formal report or press release. And while we don’t overuse exclamation points, a “Congrats, graduates!â€� might be just the right tone for the context. But exceptions should (by definition) be occasional. The more consistently we express Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ editorial style, the stronger, clearer and more recognizable our brand will be.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ editorial style is based on Associated Press style. The main references for all Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ communications are the current editions of the AP Stylebook and Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Other sources, including The Chicago Manual of Style and The Gregg Reference Manual, may be used as secondary sources if our house style and AP Style don’t address an issue you’re researching. AP Stylebook and other online references can be accessed through the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Libraries.

Italics are used throughout this guide to indicate examples and highlight key terms; they don’t mean that the word or phrase should be written in italics.

editorial

Some of the latest additions and changes to the Editorial Guide — check back for updates!

May 6, 2026

childcare

  • One word in all uses. (Consistent with AP Stylebook as of April 2026.)

daycare

  • One word in all uses. (Consistent with AP Stylebook as of April 2026.)

healthcare

  • One word in all uses. (Consistent with AP Stylebook as of April 2026.)

May 1, 2025

freshman, freshmen

  • Use the term first-year student(s) or first-year(s) instead, whenever possible.

first-year, first-year student

  • Use “first-year studentâ€� or “first-yearâ€� (instead of “freshmanâ€�) to describe undergraduates in their first year of college after high school. “First-year” instead of “freshman” is more inclusive; it’s consistent with usage at our peer colleges and universities across the U.S., including the majority of other Big Ten schools; and it provides clarity of meaning.
  • As a noun: “first-year” or “first-year student.â€�
    • All first-year students are assigned an academic adviser. First-years admitted directly to a major will work with an adviser from their department.
  • As an adjective: “first-year”:
    • first-year applicants
    • first-year class
  • Hyphenation: For clarity, “first-yearâ€� is hyphenated as a noun or an adjective.
  • Capitalization: In general, “first-yearâ€� is lowercase just like “sophomore,â€� “juniorâ€� and “senior.â€� In titles and other proper nouns where the word would be capitalized, capitalize both parts of the term.
    • First-Year Orientation
    • First-Year Film Club

     But at the start of a sentence when not part of a proper noun, capitalize only the “F,� as with any other common noun at the start of a sentence:

    • First-years who live off campus can also use the makerspaces. We welcome first-years to participate.
  • First-years include students who may have come in with college credits earned during high school but who are not transfer students.
  • Occasionally, replacing “freshmanâ€� with “first-yearâ€� can introduce some ambiguity: Does “first-year orientationâ€� include new transfer students? In these cases, adding a qualifier like “first-year student,â€� “first-year college studentâ€� or “first-year undergraduateâ€� may make it clearer.
  • There may be places where “freshmanâ€� really does provide helpful clarity and “first-yearâ€� is confusing. In most uses, it’s possible to use “first-yearâ€� with modifiers (“first-year college studentâ€�) and avoid “freshman.â€� But if an occasional “freshmanâ€� is truly the best and clearest option, it’s OK as long as it’s infrequent.

 

May 23, 2025

Jones, Robert J.

  • The 34th president of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, beginning Aug. 1, 2025
  • On first reference, use Robert J. Jones or (once his term begins) Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ President Robert J. Jones or Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ President Robert J. Jones.
  • On subsequent references, use Jones ´Ç°ùÌýPresident Jones.
  • Before Jones takes office at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, he may be referred to as president-designate Robert J. Jones or incoming president Robert J. Jones. (Note that the position names aren’t capitalized because they are not official titles.)
  • If referring to his role at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, use Chancellor Robert J. Jones.
  • Following as an honorific, use “Dr.” only before the names of medical doctors (so we typically don’t use the title for a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ president unless they are a medical doctor).
  • Plural: President Jones and his family look forward to the event; the Joneses will arrive at 4 p.m.
  • Possessive singular: Jones’ term of office
  • Possessive plural: The Joneses’ arrival time will depend on their schedule that day.

Capitalization

  • In general, avoid unnecessary capitalization.
  • Headlines: Use sentence case — capitalize only the first word and any proper nouns.
  • Titles: Lowercase formal titles when used alone or when set off from a name by commas (Joe Husky, dean of the College of Engineering, will open the meeting). Capitalize formal titles when they precede a name (Dean Husky).
  • Boards, committees: Lowercase terms such as board of directorsÌý(Joe Husky is on the board of directors at ABC Corp.) unless it’s part of a proper name (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Alumni Association Board of Directors).
    • See word list entry on committees, boards and leadership terms.
  • Departments: Capitalize the formal name of an academic department (the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Department of Communication); lowercase the informal name except for words that are proper nouns or adjectives (the geography department, the law school, the Italian department).
    • See word list entry on departments, colleges.
  • Capitalize places, buildings and monuments such as Suzzallo Library,ÌýMary Gates Hall,Ìýthe Ave,Ìýthe Quad,ÌýUniversity Bridge, etc.
  • Lowercase academic season and quarters:Ìýautumn quarter, winter quarter 2019.
  • ³¢´Ç·É±ð°ù³¦²¹²õ±ðÌýstate when referencing the state of Washington ´Ç°ùÌýWashington state.
    • See word list entry on Washington state.

centers, programs (capitalization of)

  • °ä²¹±è¾±³Ù²¹±ô¾±³ú±ðÌýcenter ´Ç°ùÌýprogram only if it is part of the formal name: Simpson Center for the Humanities; Latin American Studies Program; students in the speech pathology program will…

certificate, certificate program

  • Capitalize the formal name of a certificate program: Certificate in Project Management, Certificate in Audio Production.
  • Do not capitalize program unless it is part of the formal name. Unless using the full certificate name, do not capitalize the area of study nor the word certificate in narrative text: The Certificate in Editing program begins this fall. The editing certificate program includes a number of guest speakers.

committees, boards and leadership terms (capitalization of)

  • °ä²¹±è¾±³Ù²¹±ô¾±³ú±ðÌýcommittee only when it is part of a formal name: the Arboretum and Botanical Garden Committee.
  • ³¢´Ç·É±ð°ù³¦²¹²õ±ðÌýboard of directors unless it is part of a formal name: Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Alumni Association Board of Directors. The board of directors will discuss the issue.

departments, colleges (capitalization of)

  • Capitalize the formal name of an academic department or college: the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Department of Communication, College of Arts & Sciences.
  • Lowercase the informal name (except for words that are proper nouns or adjectives): the geography department, the history department, the law school, the Italian department, the department of English.

Numbers

a.m., p.m.

  • Lowercase with periods.
  • Include a space between the numeral and a.m. ´Ç°ùÌýp.m.: 10 a.m.

dates

  • Use cardinal, not ordinal, numbers:ÌýApril 1, not April 1st;ÌýJuly 4, not July 4th.
  • Use a comma before and after the year if placing a full date (month + day + year) within a sentence:ÌýThe board met on September 25, 2014, to review the report.
    • Note that while AP style uses abbreviations for months (Sept.), it is also acceptable to spell out the entire month in text when space permits.
  • Do not use a comma if only listing the month and year:ÌýThe board will meet in December 2015.

fiscal years

  • The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµâ€™s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. It can be named with both calendar years or with just the closing year: The fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, can be referred to as fiscal year 2025, fiscal year 2024–25, FY2025, or FY25.

graduating year

  • When using the shortened two-digit year, use a true apostrophe before the year — not a C-shaped single opening quotation mark:Ìý’25. The apostrophe is shaped like a backwards C. In Mac OS it’s typed with Opt-Shift-] (Option-Shift-right-bracket). In Windows, it can be typed with alt 0146.
  • It’s appropriate to identify the graduating years of alumni and current students, usually on first reference.
  • Examples showing appropriate usage:
    • Jay Inslee, ’73, gave a speech at the event.
    • Clara McCarty, B.A. 1876, was the University’s first graduate.
    • Congrats, Class of ’28!

numerals

  • Spell out oneÌý³Ù³ó°ù´Ç³Ü²µ³óÌýnine.
  • Use figures f´Ç°ùÌý10 and above and whenever preceding a unit of measure or referring to ages:Ìýthe 9-year-old building;Ìýthe 5-year-old boy. Also use figures for academic course numbers:ÌýHistory 6,ÌýPhilosophy 101.
    • Exception: spell out casual expressions, such as a picture is worth a thousand words.
  • Spell out numbers that begin a sentence (or recast the sentence so it doesn’t begin with a number):ÌýForty people attended the lecture.

percent

  • In running text, use figures and the % sign:ÌýThe poll shows that 45% of students agree with the initiative.
    • In charts, graphs and other visual mediums (such as ads), as well as social media and other communications where space is limited, the percent sign is also preferred. In these cases, it may be acceptable to start a full sentence with a numeral:Ìý33% of Huskies are first-generation college students.
  • Percent takes a singular verb when standing alone or when a singular word follows an of ³¦´Ç²Ô²õ³Ù°ù³Ü³¦³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýThe profess´Ç°ùÌýsays that 70% is a passing grade. It takes a plural verb when a plural word follows an of ³¦´Ç²Ô²õ³Ù°ù³Ü³¦³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýShe notes that 50% of the attendees were women.

Punctuation

ampersands

  • Use only if part of a formal name. Otherwise spell out and:ÌýCollege of Arts & Sciences, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Professional & Continuing Education, computing and software systems.

commas (serial comma)

  • Do not use a serial comma in a simple series of nouns or phrases:Ìýred, white and blueÌý(no comma before “andâ€�).
  • ±«²õ±ðÌýa serial comma before the terminal conjunction in a complex series or in other cases where the comma provides clarity and improves readability:ÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine provides primary and specialty care to patients throughout the Pacific Northwest, trains medical professionals and scientists, and conducts biomedical and health services research.

dashes and hyphens

  • A hyphen (-) connects two words when they function as one word — most often, as an adjective describing a noun. Examples: life-changing experience, cutting-edge technology. Use a hyphen when the compound comes before the noun, but usually not when it’s after the noun, unless necessary for clarity. Examples: small-business owner, but she owns a small business. Exception: No hyphen used in compounds with -ly adverbs: a quickly changing situation, a beautifully painted mural. See AP Stylebook for more detailed guidance.
  • An en dash (named because it’s the width of the letter “nâ€�) is used between ranges of numbers or dates, and between adjectival phrases containing two-word concepts:Ìý2011–14,Ìýpages 226–229,ÌýSeattle–San Francisco flight.
    • Do not use spaces before or after the en dash.
    • In text, use the words fromÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýto instead of a dash:ÌýHe attended every home football game from 1980 to 1990.
  • An em dash (the width of the letter “mâ€�) has many uses, including: to set off a nonessential element that requires special emphasis, to set off a series with commas within a phrase or to indicate an abrupt change. Shyam Gollakota, an assistant professor in the wireless lab at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, is developing battery-free devices — some just half the size of a credit card — that can reflect and absorb surrounding radio signals.
    • Use a space on either side of the em dash.
    • When a parenthetical phrase in the middle of a sentence is set off with dashes, the phrase must be nonrestrictive — that is, the sentence would still make sense if you removed the parenthetical phrase. If that’s not the case, then em-dashes are not the right solution.
    • In typesetting, especially display text, it’s best to avoid starting a line with an em dash; better to have the dash fall at the end of the previous line.
    • To maintain the deliberate, emphatic effect of em dashes, use them sparingly and thoughtfully.

ellipsis ( … )

  • Use three periods with a space before and after the ellipsis:ÌýAnd then …

Word usage and style

abbreviations and acronyms

  • Spell out for first citation and follow with the abbreviation or acronym in parentheses:ÌýThe Center for Engineering Learning & Teaching (CELT) adopted new procedures. CELT focuses its research on …
  • Avoid overuse of acronyms; include only if necessary to clarify multiple references in copy or if the organization/program/etc. is more commonly known by an acronym.

academic courses

  • Capitalize formal names of academic courses per standard capitalization rules for composition titles (do not enclose in quotation marks): History of Architecture; Basic Concepts of New Media.
  • Enclose more descriptive names of courses in quotation marks and use standard capitalization rules for composition titles: “The Arts of Japan: A Visual and Cultural History.â€�

academic degrees

  • Avoid degree abbreviations if possible. If degree information is essential to the story, try to embed more descriptive, humanizing language in the text: “̹½ÊÓÆµ gynecologic oncologist Jane Husky addressed the groupâ€� instead of “Jane Husky, M.D., addressed the group.â€�
  • Use an apostrophe in bachelor’s degree,Ìýa master’s, etc. This less formal usage is preferred over Bachelor of Arts in X,ÌýMaster of Science in X, etc.
  • Use periods when abbreviating: B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S., Ph.D. (Note no periods in MBA.) Use abbreviations only when it is necessary to identify many individuals by degree on first reference and the preferred descriptive method is too cumbersome.
    • Use abbreviations only after a full name and set the abbreviation off by commas: Jane Husky, Ph.D., spoke at the conference.
  • Do not combine a courtesy title with an academic degree.
    • Incorrect: Dr. Jane Husky, Ph.D.
    • Correct: Jane Husky, Ph.D. or Dr. Jane Husky.

academic season and quarters

  • Lowercase:Ìýautumn quarter or winter quarter 2019.

academic titles

  • Capitalize and spell out formal titles such as chancellor, chair, dean ´Ç°ùÌýprovost when they precede a name. Lowercase elsewhere.
    • E.g., Jane Husky, provost at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, studied biology. Before the lecture, Provost Jane Husky will address the group.
  • Lowercase modifiers such as department.
    • E.g., … department Chairwoman Jane Husky.

active voice vs. passive voice

  • Use active voice whenever possible:ÌýMr. Husky gave a generous gift to the College of Arts & SciencesÌý(active) instead of The generous gift was given to the College of Arts & Sciences by Mr. HuskyÌý(passive).

campus references and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ brands

  • Spell out the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÂ on first reference.
    • In the noun form, always include the article (the): This year, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ will host the conference. Researchers at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ are working to cure diseases.
    • In the adjective form, omit the article (the): Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ students traveled to Olympia to meet with legislators. Renowned for international collaboration, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ researchers are leading the way.
  • Acceptable second references are the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ,Ìýthe UniversityÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýWashington.
  • °ä²¹±è¾±³Ù²¹±ô¾±³ú±ðÌýUniversity when referring specifically to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ: The University will host HuskyFest this weekend. At the meeting, University leaders discussed …
  • ±«²õ±ðÌýthe Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÂ when referring to the Seattle campus or all three campuses as a whole.
  • Never use Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Seattle ´Ç°ùÌýmain campus.
  • On first reference, use the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ TacomaÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýthe Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Bothell. On subsequent references, use Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ TacomaÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ BothellÌý(note no the in the shortened reference): Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Tacoma is an urban-serving university. More than 55 degrees are available at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Bothell.
    • Do not use the term branch campus.
    • Tacoma campusÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýBothell campus are also acceptable (do not capitalize campus).
    • Limit the use of Seattle campus. Instead try rephrasing: At the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ in Seattle …
    • Avoid using Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµT ´Ç°ùÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµB except in internal documentation.
  • See entry on Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine.
  • See entry on Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Online.
  • See entry on Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Professional & Continuing Education, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµPCE.

composition titles

  • Capitalize principal words in composition titles, including prepositions and conjunctions of four or more letters (also known as title case).
  • Do not italicize or use quotation marks with newspaper or magazine names. °ä²¹±è¾±³Ù²¹±ô¾±³ú±ðÌýthe in the name if that is the publication’s preferred style.
  • ±«²õ±ðÌýquotation marks around titles of books, songs, computer games, movies, operas, plays, poems, long musical compositions, television programs, specific episodes of television programs, lectures, speeches and works of art.
    • Do not use quotation marks with books that are primarily catalogs of reference material (Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language); holy books, such as the Bible; and certain historical documents, such as the U.S. Constitution (or just “the Constitutionâ€�) and the Declaration of Independence.
    • Do not use quotation marks with course titles:ÌýIntroduction to Anthropology; Concepts in Printmaking;

contractions

  • Use contractions to maintain a conversational tone when it’s appropriate for the audience and platform.

gender-specific language

  • Avoid language that indicates gender unless it is truly necessary; never assume gender.
  • ±«²õ±ðÌýchair to refer to the head of a committee, unless the official title is chairman or chairwoman:ÌýWas a new chair elected at the meeting?
  • ±«²õ±ðÌýspokesperson instead of spokesman/spokeswoman, unless the person’s gender preference is known.

geographic regions

  • ³¢´Ç·É±ð°ù³¦²¹²õ±ðÌýnorth, south, northeast, etc., when they indicate compass direction: They drove east.
  • Capitalize when they designate regions: The Pacific Northwest is a hub of innovation. The storm swept across the Midwest.

headlines, headings and subheads

  • Capitalize only the first word and any proper nouns (also known as sentence case).
  • If a colon is used, capitalize the first word after the colon.

majors/minors

  • Lowercase except for proper nouns or adjectives: The award recipient majored in anthropology and minored in European studies.

names of people

  • In narrative text, use a person’s full name at first reference.
  • For subsequent references, use only the person’s last name, per AP Style and common journalistic practice. There are exceptions where the first name may be used on its own in subsequent references, but this is much more casual. Consider which option is most appropriate f´Ç°ùÌýyour audience and platform, and stay consistent throughout.

photo captions

  • Use the present tense:ÌýJane Husky poses with Dubs during W Day festivities.

quarters, terms, academic seasons (capitalization of)

  • Lowercase academic quarters: spring quarter, winter quarter.

rankings

  • ±«²õ±ðÌýNo. as the abbreviation for number to indicate position or rank: The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ is ranked No. 1 in XYZ.
  • For rankings where the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ does not rank first, the preferred usage is: According to XYZ, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ ranks third in …

trademarks

  • The symbols ® and â„¢, often used by companies in ads and product packaging, are one way that companies protect their intellectual property — but it’s not necessary for others to use these marks. Avoid unless there’s a need for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ to protect a trademark that it owns.

URLs

  • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ style for URLs is all-lowercase whenever possible, and without anything extraneous: uw.edu, admit.uw.edu, ³Ü·É.±ð»å³Ü/²¹²ú´Ç³Ü³Ù/²¹³¦²¹»å±ð³¾¾±³¦²õ.ÌýIn most cases, no “http://” and no final slash.
  • Much of the time, no initial “www” is necessary — but check to make sure the page will load without it. It’s preferable to omit it when possible.
  • Many — but not all — Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ websites and pages will load using the uw.edu domain as well as washington.edu. Whenever possible, use the shorter uw.edu — but again, always check to make sure the site will load that way. There are some Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ sites that require washington.edu.

 

Word list

acknowledgment

  • Per and , the standard form is acknowledgment — no “e” after the “g.” (Note especially for land acknowledgments.)

adviser

  • ±·´Ç³ÙÌýadvisor. (Note exception: Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine uses patient advisors.)

alumna, alumnae, alumni, alumnus

  • ±«²õ±ðÌýalumnusÌý(alumni in the plural) when referring to a man who has attended a school;Ìýalumna (alumnae in the plural) for a woman.
  • ±«²õ±ðÌýalumni when referring to a mixed-gender group.
  • There’s currently no gender-neutral term that’s the singular of alumni. It’s OK to use alum to work around this problem in some contexts — but many readers will see this as casual or slang usage, so it may not be appropriate for more formal communication. Consider recasting with graduate or other synonym.
  • If degree information is essential to the story, use description in the text rather than listing degree information: Before completing her biochemistry degree in 2012, Jane Husky …
    • If space is too limited for description, such as in a photo caption, include the graduation year after the name with commas on either side: Joe Husky, ’79, accepted the award.
    • See entry on academic degrees.

bachelor’s, bachelor’s degree, B.A., B.F.A., B.S.

  • See entry on academic degrees.

Be Boundless

  • The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµâ€™s tagline. As text within copy, title case (capitalize the first letter of each word): Be Boundless.
  • Do not italicize (only the graphic version is italicized, and it should not be modified in any way).
  • When using the tagline as a graphic element, do not modify the formatting.
  • ³¢´Ç·É±ð°ù³¦²¹²õ±ðÌýboundless when using the word on its own in copy.

Burke Museum

  • On first reference: The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.
  • Subsequent references: The Burke Museum or The Burke.

campuswide

  • One word, not hyphenated.

childcare

  • One word in all uses. (Consistent with AP Stylebook as of April 2026.)

coworker

  • No hyphen (exception to AP style).

daycare

  • One word in all uses. (Consistent with AP Stylebook as of April 2026.)

dorm/dormitory

  • Use residence hall instead, wherever possible. A “dormâ€� is a building, while a “residence hallâ€� connotes a living community.

faculty

  • When referring to an academic body, treat faculty as a collective noun taking a singular verb: The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµâ€™s faculty leads the nation in securing research funding.
  • ±«²õ±ðÌýfaculty members with a plural verb when referring to several individuals: Faculty members in the arts department are restructuring the curriculum.

first-year, first-year student

  • Use “first-year studentâ€� or “first-yearâ€� (instead of “freshmanâ€�) to describe undergraduates in their first year of college after high school. “First-year” instead of “freshman” avoids an unnecessarily gendered term; it’s consistent with usage at our peer colleges and universities across the U.S., including the majority of other Big Ten schools; and it provides clarity of meaning.
  • As a noun: “first-year” or “first-year student.â€�
    • All first-year students are assigned an academic adviser. First-years admitted directly to a major will work with an adviser from their department.
  • As an adjective: “first-year”:
    • first-year applicants
    • first-year class
  • Hyphenation: For clarity, “first-yearâ€� is hyphenated as a noun or an adjective.
  • Capitalization: In general, “first-yearâ€� is lowercase just like “sophomore,â€� “juniorâ€� and “senior.â€� In titles and other proper nouns where the word would be capitalized, capitalize both parts of the term.
    • First-Year Orientation
    • First-Year Film Club

     But at the start of a sentence when not part of a proper noun, capitalize only the “F,� as with any other common noun at the start of a sentence:

    • First-years who live off campus can also use the makerspaces. We welcome first-years to participate.
  • First-years include students who may have come in with college credits earned during high school but who are not transfer students.
  • Occasionally, replacing “freshmanâ€� with “first-yearâ€� can introduce some ambiguity: Does “first-year orientationâ€� include new transfer students? In these cases, adding a qualifier like “first-year student,â€� “first-year college studentâ€� or “first-year undergraduateâ€� may make it clearer.
  • There may be places where “freshmanâ€� really does provide helpful clarity and “first-yearâ€� is confusing. In most uses, it’s possible to use “first-yearâ€� with modifiers (“first-year college studentâ€�) and avoid “freshman.â€� But if an occasional “freshmanâ€� is truly the best and clearest option, it’s OK as long as it’s infrequent.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

  • Previously known as Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance; these names are now out of date and should not be used.
  • “Fred Hutchâ€� OK on second reference. Do not use other shortened forms or nicknames.
  • Examples:
    • Short:ÌýFred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent organization that serves as Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine’s cancer program. 
    • Long:ÌýFred Hutch is an independent nonprofit organization that also serves as the cancer program for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine. This unique relationship allows for enhanced care coordination with one of the world’s leading integrated health systems. 

freshman, freshmen

  • Use the term first-year student(s) or first-year(s) instead, whenever possible.

full-time, full time

  • Hyphenate as an adjective: Many students have full-time jobs.
  • Do not hyphenate as an adverb: She goes to school full time.

fundraiser, fundraising

Harborview Medical Center

  • ±«²õ±ðÌýHarborview on second reference. ±«²õ±ðÌýHMC on internal documentation only.

healthcare

  • One word in all uses. (Consistent with AP Stylebook as of April 2026.)

Health Sciences Center

  • Administrative umbrella designation for the six health sciences schools (dentistry, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, public health and social work) and the affiliated multidisciplinary research centers. Full formal name: Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center.

Husky Experience

  • Capitalize in all instances. For example: The Husky Experience encompasses the transformative educational opportunities that help our students discover their passions.

Huskies

  • Capitalize when referring to Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ students, alumni or Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ teams: Around the world, Huskies are making a positive impact through community service.

Husky Marching Band

  • Use when referring to the marching band.

Husky Nation

Jones, Robert J.

  • The 34th president of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, beginning Aug. 1, 2025
  • On first reference, use Robert J. Jones or (once his term begins) Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ President Robert J. Jones or Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ President Robert J. Jones.
  • On subsequent references, use Jones ´Ç°ùÌýPresident Jones.
  • Before Jones takes office at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, he may be referred to as president-designate Robert J. Jones or incoming president Robert J. Jones. (Note that the position names aren’t capitalized because they are not official titles.)
  • If referring to his role at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, use Chancellor Robert J. Jones.
  • Following as an honorific, use “Dr.” only before the names of medical doctors (so we typically don’t use the title for a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ president unless they are a medical doctor).
  • Plural: President Jones and his family look forward to the event; the Joneses will arrive at 4 p.m.
  • Possessive singular: Jones’ term of office
  • Possessive plural: The Joneses’ arrival time will depend on their schedule that day.

Legislature

  • Capitalize when preceded by the name of a state: the Washington Legislature.
  • Capitalize in subsequent specific references and in constructions such as the 100th Legislature, the state Legislature.
  • ³¢´Ç·É±ð°ù³¦²¹²õ±ðÌýlegislature when it is used generically: No legislature has approved the amendment.

master’s, M.A., M.S.

  • See entry on academic degrees.

MBA

  • Abbreviation f´Ç°ùÌýMaster of Business Administration; no periods.

off campus, on campus

  • Hyphenate as an adjective: on-campus dining.
  • Do not hyphenate as an adverb: dining off campus.

Pac-12

  • More common way of referring to the Pacific-12 Conference; do not put Pac in all caps.

professor

  • Do not abbreviate.
  • Do not use on second reference unless part of a quotation.

Purple Friday

Purple Pride

Rainier Vista

Red Square

  • The preposition on is typically used when describing an event happening at this location: Join your fellow Huskies on Red Square for W Day, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµâ€™s birthday celebration.

residence hall

  • Use instead of dorm/dormitory.

Seattle °ä³ó¾±±ô»å°ù±ð²Ô’s

  • This is the official name. ±«²õ±ðÌý°ä³ó¾±±ô»å°ù±ð²Ô’s on second reference.
  • Many of the Seattle °ä³ó¾±±ô»å°ù±ð²Ô’s physicians are Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ faculty members. Check the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ directory. Preferred format when writing about Seattle °ä³ó¾±±ô»å°ù±ð²Ô’s faculty is to use the official Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ faculty title: Robert Smith, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ professor of pediatrics and chief of Seattle °ä³ó¾±±ô»å°ù±ð²Ô’s cardiology unit.

startup

  • No hyphen. (Note: This is an AP Style exception to Webster’s New World College Dictionary.)

statewide

student-athlete

  • Include a hyphen, per AP Style.

the Suzzallo Library Reading Room

the Ave

  • Acceptable, more colloquial way to refer to University Way (note no period on Ave).

the Quad

they, them, their (singular)

  • May be used as singular pronouns if an individual prefers them or if their gender identity is unknown.
  • Note that the singular they takes a plural verb: They are majoring in communications.

toward

  • ±·´Ç³ÙÌýtowards.

underrepresented

underway

  • Closed up as both an adjective and an adverb, per AP Style.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ (the)

  • See entry on campus references.

University-wide

  • Hyphenate as an adjective (also note capitalization of University when referring specifically to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ): the University-wide event.

utilize

  • Avoid as much as possible; in most cases, “utilizeâ€� is unnecessarily academic-sounding. “Useâ€� most often serves perfectly well in its place.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Bothell

  • See entry on campus references.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Cheer and Dance

  • Use when referring to the cheer and/or dance team.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Continuum College

  • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Continuum College expands the reach of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ with programs that meet the needs of learners at various phases of their lives, including Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Professional & Continuing Education, International & English Language Programs, Summer Youth, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and dozens of fee-based degree programs.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Educational Outreach, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµEO

  • The former name of the organization now called Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Continuum College.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Extension

  • The former name of the organization now called Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Professional & Continuing Education.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine

  • The umbrella name (not Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine) for the system. When referencing the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµâ€™s clinical system of care, use Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine health system. On second reference, refer to it as the health system.
  • Currently, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine comprises the following eight entities:
    • Harborview Medical Center: ±«²õ±ðÌýHarborview on second reference. Do not use HMC.
    • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center:
      • ±«²õ±ðÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center for communications targeting audiences in the Puget Sound region or where the context of the publication makes it clear that the organization being referred to is us and not another Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ.
      • ±«²õ±ðÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center on first reference for communications targeting audiences outside of the Puget Sound region. Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center can be used on second reference.
      • Do not use Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµMC.
      • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center – Montlake is the correct name for the facility on Pacific Ave.
      • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center – Northwest is the correct name for the former Northwest Hospital facility.
      • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center – Roosevelt is the correct name for the facility on Roosevelt Ave.
      • The dash in Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center – Montlake, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center – Northwest and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center – Roosevelt is an en-dash.
        • On a mac, create an en-dash by:ÌýOPTION + –
        • On a PC, create an en-dash by: holding down ALT + 0150
      • Using Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center alone refers to the two-campus hospital operating under a single hospital license. Do not use Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medical Center to refer only to the Montlake campus.
    • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care (previously Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Neighborhood Clinics):
      • The new brand name is Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care.
      • When referencing a specific clinic, the correct format is:
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Belltown
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Factoria
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Fremont
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Kent
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Kirkland
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Northgate
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Shoreline
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at South Lake Union
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Woodinville
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care at Lopez Island
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary & Urgent Care at Ballard
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary & Urgent Care at Federal Way
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary & Urgent Care at Issaquah
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary & Urgent Care at Ravenna
      • Do not use Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care Clinics or Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Neighborhood Clinics
      • The [location] clinic or clinic on second reference.  For example, the Fremont clinic.
      • Examples:
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary Care clinics are located throughout the Puget Sound region.
        • Dr. Jones practices at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine Primary & Urgent Care at Federal Way.
        • Please visit a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine primary care clinic near you.
        • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine has primary and urgent care services in Fremont.
    • Valley Medical Center: ±«²õ±ðÌýValley on second reference. Do not use VMC.
    • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Neighborhood Clinics: ±«²õ±ðÌýneighborhood clinics on second reference. When referencing where a neighborhood clinic is located, write: Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Neighborhood Ravenna Clinic, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Neighborhood Shoreline Clinic. Do not note the number of clinics in the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Neighborhood Clinics system; instead note that clinics can be found throughout the Puget Sound region. Where appropriate, list the clinic locations.
    • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Physicians (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµP): The faculty practice plan. In reference to the organization, use a singular verb: Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Physicians is releasing financial reports. Otherwise, a plural verb is usually better. If the meaning is something other than physician members of the practice plan, it is better to use another form, such as: physicians affiliated with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine.
    • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ School of Medicine: On second reference,Ìýthe school may be used.
    • Airlift Northwest: The shortened Airlift is used for internal audiences and on second reference in external communications. Do not use ALNW.
  • See entries on Seattle °ä³ó¾±±ô»å°ù±ð²Ô’s and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine at South Lake Union

  • Refer to the South Lake Union campus as Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Medicine at South Lake Union.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Online

  • As a branch of Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Professional & Continuing Education (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµPCE), Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Online provides fee-based certificate and degree programs designed for working professionals.
  • Note capitalization of Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Online: As a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Online student, you’ll join a vibrant learning community of fellow Huskies from around the globe.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Professional & Continuing Education, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµPCE

  • Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Professional & Continuing Education is the organization formerly known as Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Extension. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµPCE offers hundreds of courses and certificate and degree programs designed and scheduled to meet the needs of working professionals.
  • The abbreviation Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµPCE may be used on second and subsequent references.
  • See entry on Ģ¹½ÊÓÆµ Online.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Tacoma

  • See entry on campus references.

Walker-Ames

  • , ,

Washington state

  • ³¢´Ç·É±ð°ù³¦²¹²õ±ðÌýstate: state of Washington or Washington state.
  • Note that Washington State refers to the university in Pullman, Washington.

website

  • One word, lowercase.

work-study

yearlong