North Carolina State University

• “North Carolina State University at Raleigh” is the full, official name of our institution and may be written when explicitly required on official documents. Writers and editors should otherwise avoid using this name because of the implication that another branch of North Carolina State University exists in another city.
• “North Carolina State University” is one of the two preferred forms of the university’s full name. This form should be used on first reference in news releases and formal or ceremonial texts; and in other situations when a more formal tone is appropriate.
• “NC State University” is the other preferred form of the university’s full name. This form should be used on first reference in material aimed at high school students and undergraduates, most advertisements and other situations when a more familiar tone is appropriate.
• “NC State” is the preferred second reference in all situations, mainly used as a noun (e.g., “Welcome to NC State”). Because “university” is missing from this short form, be careful when using it as an adjective; i.e., “NC State Department of . . .” may be confused with a department of the government of the state of North Carolina.
• “The university” is an acceptable third reference.