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.
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.
quotation marks
In addition to their use in enclosing quoted matter, quotation marks are also used to enclose the titles of shorter works or works that are part of a larger work. Thus, the title of a book is italicized, and the title of a chapter in that book is set in quotation marks. (This style point differs from AP.) The same holds true for songs on an album, poems in a book of poetry, television episodes that appear as part of a television series, blog posts on a blog, articles in a magazine or journal, and the like.
“Shut the Door, Have a Seat” was one of the most highly rated episodes of the TV show Mad Men.
The study is referenced in the article “Green Tech Goes Global” in the latest issue of U.S. News & World Report.
Chapter 2 of her book, “Building a Legacy,” explains how the successful alumna decided to give back to her alma mater.
red and white
NC State’s official school colors since 1896. The original school colors were pink and blue, in honor of the two most popular literary societies in the school’s early years. Brown and white were used for two years (1894-95) until red and white replaced them in a vote of the student body.
residence hall
University Housing prefers this term rather than dormitory.
Reynolds Coliseum
See entry at athletics facilities.
Shrine Room
The Shrine Room is located in the base of NC State’s Belltower. In a long-standing campus tradition, the class rings of graduating seniors spend a night locked in the Shrine Room before being given to their new owners.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
This is the body that grants accreditation to NC State University. On second reference, use SACS.
Stewart Theatre
This performance venue, located on the third floor of Talley Student Union, is operated by University Theatre, a division of Arts NC State. Stewart Theatre seats 759 patrons.
Student Aid Association
This organization provides private financial support for athletics scholarships and facilities at NC State. Its unofficial name is the Wolfpack Club. These two names can be used interchangeably.
student-athlete
Hyphenate the term when referring to a student who participates on one or more of NC State’s 22 NCAA Division I varsity athletics teams.