Purdue University Northwest / Marketing and Communications / Power Onward Brand Guidelines / Purdue University Northwest Editorial Style and Guidelines

Purdue University Northwest Editorial Style and Guidelines

Purdue University Northwest’s Office of Marketing and Communications has established editorial style guidelines for PNW’s published, nonacademic communications. These guidelines serve as a resource to ensure clarity, consistency and a unified voice.

Marketing and Communications generally adheres to the most recent edition of The Associated Press Stylebook. Additionally, the following serves as the editorial style guide for Purdue University Northwest formal written communications.

See the Full Style Guidelines

Users must be logged into Microsoft with their Purdue.edu credentials.

Quick Reference: Common Issues

Purdue University Northwest

  • First reference should always be the official institution name followed by the acronym, as in: Purdue University Northwest (PNW).
  • The university is never referred to by any other acronym or short form (e.g. PUN, PUNW, Purdue NW)
  • Following the first reference, the acronym should be used when written in third-person, as in: PNW.
  • Do not capitalize the single word “university” when referring to Purdue University Northwest, as in: the building was a long-held vision for the university.
  • When referring to colleges, schools or programs with the institution name or acronym, make the institution name possessive followed by the secondary reference, as in: Purdue University Northwest’s College of Business or PNW’s School of Engineering.
  • Cite the full legal name of entities that are under the stewardship of the university, as in: Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest; the Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest; the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest.
  • Lowercase the “c” in campus when referring to particular PNW locations. For example, Hammond campus or Westville campus.
  • Refer to locations outward from the event space, concluding with campus street address. For example, The event will be held in Room 115 of the Library-Student-Faculty Building on the Westville campus at 1401 S. U.S. 421.
  • When citing a numbered address, abbreviate Ave., Blvd., and St. All other road names are spelled out.
  • State names:
    • Spell out the name of a state in conjunction with a municipality in the body of a story. For example, Hammond, Indiana.
    • Use an AP state abbreviation when citing a partial address without a ZIP code. For example, 2200 169th St., Hammond, Ind.
    • Use the state’s postal code abbreviation if citing a full address with a ZIP code. For example, 2200 169th St., Hammond, IN, 46323.
  • Building names: For external audiences, always refer to the formal name of PNW buildings. Internally-directed communications may use either the formal name or nickname, or acronym, depending on usage. Acronyms may be used after first reference. For example, Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC).

Dates

  • Abbreviate months January, February, August, September, October, November and December when in conjunction with a date. All abbreviations for these only use the month’s first three letters, except for September, which is cited as “Sept.” For example, 1 or Sept. 1.
  • All months are spelled out when used in conjunction with a year and no date. For example, August 2025.
  • If citing a month, date and year, use a comma before and after the year. For example, by the Aug. 25, 2025, deadline.
  • Do not use st, nd, rd, th, even if dates are adjectives. For example, the March 1 event.
  • It is generally preferred to follow a format of time-date-place. For example, Preview PNW will start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct 12. at the Hammond campus.
  • Lowercase the names of academic terms. For example, fall 2025 or spring 2026.

Time

  • Use a.m. or p.m. format in a single time reference, as in 2 p.m. Please note the proper style is lowercase a.m. or p.m., with periods.
  • When referencing a beginning and ending time frame:
    • In keeping with AP style, denote the period of each and add the word “to” between. For example, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Always use the word “noon” and “midnight” instead of “12 p.m.” or “12 a.m.” For example, the event will be held at noon or the event will be held from noon to 2 p.m.
  • When writing about degrees in general, lowercase the terms. For example, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree.
  • Capitalize the formal name of a degree. For example, Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science; Master of Arts; Master of Science; Doctor of Nursing Practice.
  • If citing a discipline in conjunction with a degree type or a student’s major, the subject area should be uppercase. For example, bachelor’s degree in Political Science; master’s degree in Technology; majoring in Computer Science; majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations.”
  • In story copy, when possible, a Purdue University Northwest student should be attributed with their year in school and their major. For example, John Smith, a second-year Psychology major.
  • Capitalize a title preceding a name if it is what the person may be formally called, as in: Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford, Professor Smith, Dean Doe.
  • Lowercase a functional title and plurals. For example, John Smith, associate professor of Psychology or associate deans Jane Doe and Robert Roberts.
  • Lowercase a title that comes after a name. However, capitalize the department name. For example, Lisa Goodnight, vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement or Robert Roberts, professor of Electrical Engineering.
  • Capitalize endowed professorships or positions whether before or after a name. For example, Chenn Zhou, NIPSCO Distinguished Professor of Engineering Simulation.
  • If naming a person on first reference with multiple titles, try to start with the most relevant title for the content, if possible. For example, Michael Tu, director of the Center for Cybersecurity and professor of Computer Information Technology.
  • In keeping with AP Style, in content such as websites, articles, news releases and most print publications we do not use the term “Dr.” (or other such titles) before a name, nor do we use the distinction of Ph.D. or other credentials after a name. Exceptions to this rule are made for materials such as faculty person listings, invitations, formal correspondence, formal event programs and promotional materials where the presenter’s credentials are a significant feature.
  • Classify undergraduate students by year (first-year, second-year, third-year, fourth-year), not underclass/upperclass high school names (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior).

For a style question that is not addressed in the resources mentioned here, or to offer suggested additions or revisions, please contact Marketing and Communications at marketing@pnw.edu.

Updated: August 2025