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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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university

Lowercase “university” when it stands alone from “NC State” as a common noun or adjective.

  • Correct: The university is a top-tier research institute.
  • Correct: NC State University is home to the Wolfpack.
  • Incorrect: The University had a drill on Monday.

University of North Carolina System

NC State is part of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System.

Official name: University of North Carolina

First reference in running text: University of North Carolina System

Second reference: UNC System, UNC

Do not capitalize “system” when standing alone:

The UNC System comprises 17 institutions across the state. The system’s founding ideal is shared knowledge in a free society.

When the terms “University of North Carolina” and “UNC” stand alone without an additional qualifier, they only refer to the 17-campus statewide university system.

The administrative body in charge of the system, once known as UNC General Administration (abbreviated as “GA”), is now the UNC System Office. Do not abbreviate “System Office” as “SO.”

Following are the official names of the system’s 17 constituent institutions as designated by the UNC Board of Governors. Preferred terms for second reference are in parentheses:

  • Appalachian State University (Appalachian State or Appalachian)
  • East Carolina University (East Carolina or ECU)
  • Elizabeth City State University (ECSU)
  • Fayetteville State University (FSU)
  • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T State University; North Carolina A&T; NC A&T)
  • North Carolina Central University (NCCU)
  • North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM)
  • North Carolina State University (NC State)
  • University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNC Asheville)
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro or UNCG)
  • University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNC Pembroke or UNCP)
  • University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNC Wilmington or UNCW)
  • University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA; UNC School of the Arts; School of the Arts)
  • Western Carolina University (Western Carolina or WCU)
  • Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)