Writing Style Guide
The University of Guelph Writing Style Guide is a reference tool for all University communicators, provided by Communications & Marketing (C&M), to ensure consistency across all publications and communications.
The University of Guelph uses Canadian Press style, except in the circumstances outlined in this document. We use the Canadian Oxford Dictionary (free online) for spelling inquiries.
The University aims for grounded, plain language suitable for non-academic readers. We focus on communicating what is essential and relevant without using cliches and hyperbole, replacing jargon with everyday words whenever we can.
This document is periodically revised to reflect changes in language. For questions/comments, please contact media@uoguelph.ca.
Highlights
- The University of Guelph is spelled out on first reference. On second reference, it’s simply U of G or the University. Never write “the U of G,” UofG, UoG, UGuelph, never just Guelph
- Use the honorific Dr. on first reference for any faculty or staff member. Professors may be assistant, associate or full, but we use only "professor” in our writing. Avoid phrasing that implies ownership of individuals by the institution, such as “U of G’s Prof. Jane Smith”
- With administrative titles, place the title after the person’s name, in lower case.
- In headlines and titles, capitalize all principal words. Don’t capitalize articles (a, an, the) or prepositions and conjunctions of fewer than 4 letters.
- Capitalize full names of departments, schools, colleges, programs, academic degrees and majors.
