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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.

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Pack

Pack can be used as an abbreviation for “Wolfpack” in copy outside of trademarked or branded products. Pack is a singular noun that takes a singular verb and pronoun.

  • Correct: The Pack is a community of NC State students, alumni and fans.
  • Correct: Members of the Pack are meeting at the Belltower on Friday.
  • Incorrect: The Pack are meeting at the Belltower on Friday.

Park Scholarships

Through the generosity of the Park Foundation, NC State offers full-expense four-year Park Scholarships named for distinguished alumnus Roy H. Park.

possessives

AP style uses the following rules:

  • In singular and plural nouns that don’t end in s, add ’s: the author’s book, the children’s toys
  • In singular nouns that end in s, add ’s: the virus’s spread, the bus’s route
  • In plural nouns that end in s, add only an apostrophe: the authors’ books, the professors’ partnership
  • In proper nouns that end in s, add only an apostrophe: James’ coat, Odysseus’ journey

    • professor

    In a deviation from AP style, capitalize when the term precedes a name; lowercase when it follows a name or when used alone.

    • Correct: Professor Lawrence Apple teaches TID 501.
    • Correct: Lawrence Apple, professor emeritus of international programs, teaches TID 501.
    • Correct: John Kessel is a professor of creative writing and American literature.
    • Incorrect: John Kessel is a Professor of creative writing and American literature.

    professorships and scholarships
    • Arthur Fu was a Caldwell Scholar.
    • Clement Markert was named Distinguished University Research Professor.
    • Distinguished University Research Professor Donald Bitzer enjoys windsurfing.
    • Dr. Jay Narayan is the John C.C. Fan Family Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering.

    provost

    In 2016, the official name of the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor changed to become:

    Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

    In formal communications, use the office’s full title on first reference, and use Office of the Provost in subsequent references. In informal communications, such as conversations or emails with colleagues, Provost’s Office may be used.

    Similarly, when referring to the provost by name, use Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Warwick Arden on first reference and Provost Arden in subsequent references. Capitalize the title when used before the provost’s name; lowercase after the name (unless in a formal or ceremonial list; see capitalization entry) or when used alone. Do not use the shorthand abbreviation EVCP in either formal or informal communications.