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.
Watauga Medal
This award was established in 1975 to honor those who have given outstanding service to NC State.
web
This term, a shortened form of World Wide Web, is lowercase in all uses. Also: website, webcam, webcast, webfeed, webmaster, webpage. But web address, web browser.
wellness day
Wellness days occur once each fall and spring semester. No classes are held on wellness days, and course instructors are asked to avoid tests or deadlines on wellness days or the day after. This term is lowercase: “This semester’s wellness day is Wednesday.”
Windhover
Windhover is the university’s student-published literary magazine. Its title is derived from the title of an 1877 Gerard Manley Hopkins poem.
WolfCopy
The campuswide copying and print management service for students and departments.
Wolfline
The university’s transit service.
Wolfpack
Early NC State athletic teams were known as the Farmers and Mechanics, the Aggies, the Techs and the Red Terrors. The Wolfpack nickname was used only for football from 1921 until 1948. All other teams were called the Red Terrors from 1925 until 1948, when a poll of students was taken to choose a new nickname. “Wolfpack” was the overwhelming favorite in a student vote, and all athletics teams have used it from 1948 until now. In all instances, Wolfpack is a singular noun that takes a singular verb and pronoun:
The Wolfpack plays football at Carter-Finley Stadium. It plays basketball at PNC Arena.
Wolfpack Club
This organization provides private financial support for athletics scholarships and facilities at NC State. Its official name is the Student Aid Association. These two names can be used interchangeably.
WolfPrint
The student-facing print management program at NC State.
Yarbrough Drive
This road on north campus runs from Dan Allen Drive to Pullen Road.