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.
Jane S. McKimmon Conference and Training Center
This facility, informally known as the McKimmon Center, is named for a home demonstration leader who was among the first women to receive degrees from NC State. In addition to providing a wide array of learning opportunities, professional meeting facilities and university services, the center also houses NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education.
Jr., Sr., III
The terms Jr., Sr., III and the like used after a person’s name are part of the name and thus generally do not take a comma:
Lonnie Poole Jr. gave a generous gift to the university.
If a person requests that we use the comma with his or her name, we should grant the request out of respect for the individual. We should also remember that when a building, fund or other entity is named after a person, the entity and the person are distinct from one another, and so are their names. Hence, at the request of Gov. Jim Hunt, we use the comma in his name.
Gov. James B. Hunt, Jr. spoke to an appreciative audience.
But there is no comma used in the full name of the Hunt Library:
The James B. Hunt Jr. Library is one of the most technologically advanced learning and collaboration spaces in the world.