Skip to main content

Editorial Style

Following NC State's editorial style lends your writing a professional sheen and ensures a consistent experience for all of our readers.

Clear, Consistent Writing

Editorial style is a set of rules that tells you what to do when there's more than one "correct" way to write something. Examples include determining which words to capitalize in a headline or when to spell out a number versus using a numeral. Without a clear-cut set of style guidelines, writers often address these situations in inconsistent and contradictory ways, which undermines their credibility.

NC State’s editorial style is based on The Associated Press Stylebook, with exceptions and additions as noted below. When AP style conflicts with NC State's own guidelines, you should follow the latter. To resolve questions of spelling, AP recommends using Merriam-Webster.

You should follow these rules far more often than not. However, situations may arise when bending a rule makes more sense than following it. Clarity and consistency are the most important considerations.

Use the search bar or index to find a specific editorial style reference.

Show All

Caldwell Fellows Program

This merit scholarship program provides three-year fellowships to high-achieving first-year students.

campus precincts

NC State’s main campus in Raleigh is divided into the following official precincts, which are always capitalized:

  • Centennial Biomedical Campus (includes the College of Veterinary Medicine)
  • Centennial Campus (includes James B. Hunt Jr. Library and the Wilson College of Textiles)
  • Central Campus (includes Talley Student Union and Carmichael Gymnasium)
  • North Campus (includes the Belltower and D.H. Hill Jr. Library)
  • South Campus (includes the Joyner Visitor Center and the McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education)
  • West Campus (includes the Materials Support Warehouse)

Note that “main campus” is not an official precinct and thus is not capitalized.

campuswide, universitywide

Do not use hyphens in these adjectives.

capitalization

In general, avoid unnecessary use of capital letters. Words are not capitalized just because somebody considers them important. Capitalize words in these categories:

Proper nouns (the proper name of a person, place or thing) — Debbie Yow, Raleigh, NC State University, Reynolds Coliseum, the Bulletin, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Personal titles immediately preceding a person’s name — Chancellor Howell, Coach Valvano, Provost Arden
Personal titles following a name in a formal or ceremonial list — Warwick Arden, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Brian Sischo, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement

  • Correct: The chancellor is meeting with Dean Hinks to discuss recent successes in commercialization of research.
  • Incorrect: The Chancellor is meeting with Dean Hinks to discuss recent successes in commercialization of research.
  • Correct: The department has hired a new assistant professor.
  • Incorrect: The department has hired a new Assistant Professor.
  • Correct: The class of 2018 has a bright future.
  • Incorrect: The Class of 2018 has a bright future.

Centennial Campus

Use the full capitalized name.

chair, chairperson, chairman, chairwoman

If the body or organization in question has an official usage designated for this term, use it. In the absence of an official usage, if the person being identified has a preference, use the term the person prefers. Otherwise, use the non-gender-specific term.

chancellor

Capitalize when used before a name; lowercase after a name (unless in a formal or ceremonial list; see capitalization entry above) or when used alone. The names and terms of those who have served as NC State’s chancellors and presidents follow:

  • Alexander Q. Holladay (president, 1889-1899)
  • George T. Winston (president, 1899-1908)
  • Daniel H. Hill (president, 1908-1916)
  • Wallace C. Riddick (president, 1916-1923)
  • Eugene Clyde Brooks (president, 1923-1934)
  • John W. Harrelson (chancellor, 1934-1953)
  • Carey H. Bostian (chancellor 1953-1959)
  • John T. Caldwell (chancellor, 1959-1975)
  • Joab L. Thomas (chancellor, 1976-1981)
  • Bruce R. Poulton (chancellor, 1982-1989)
  • Larry K. Monteith (chancellor, 1990-1998)
  • Marye Anne Fox (chancellor, 1998-2004)
  • James L. Oblinger (chancellor, 2004-2009)
  • W. Randolph “Randy” Woodson (chancellor, 2010-2025)
  • Kevin Howell (chancellor, 2025-present)

class year

In numerical terms, a class year is the year someone expects to graduate based on when they enrolled as a first-year student. For example, most people who enroll as a first-year undergraduate student in 2026 would be categorized in the class of 2030 (based on the standard assumption that they would graduate in four years).

In text, when telling someone’s class year, use all four digits for the year, and do not capitalize the word “class”:

  • I’m proud to be a member of the class of 2030.

The term “class year” can also refer to how far a student has advanced toward their undergraduate degree, by year: first-year student, sophomore, junior or senior. Per AP, the term “freshman” is acceptable to describe a student in the first year of their undergraduate studies, but “first-year student” is preferred.

colleges

NC State’s 12 academic colleges are listed below.

  • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • College of Design
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Poole College of Management
  • College of Natural Resources
  • College of Sciences
  • Wilson College of Textiles
  • College of Veterinary Medicine
  • University College
  • Graduate School