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CapitalizationIn addition to the first word in a sentence, the following are generally the only words which should be capitalized.
It is not unusual within an organization for certain common nouns to be treated as proper nouns. The following are the only common nouns which should be capitalized in publications and correspondence of Western Michigan University. Alumni Association -- Capitalize only when it refers exclusively to the WMU Alumni Association Board of Trustees -- Capitalize only when it refers exclusively to the WMU Board of Trustees Bronco/Broncos -- Capitalize when it refers to the WMU mascot or athletic teams Colleges, departments, offices -- Capitalize only when the complete name is given and only for colleges, departments, offices and programs of Western Michigan University. University -- Capitalize only when it refers exclusively to Western Michigan University Western -- Capitalize when it refers to Western Michigan University (see Western) Western Michigan -- Capitalize when it refers to Western Michigan University (see Western) Capitalization of titlesUsed in text -- In text, titles are capitalized only if they precede the name of the individual. A title following the name of an individual or a title by itself is not capitalized.
In text, it is preferable for the title to follow the name and, therefore, the title would not be capitalized. This is especially true of titles consisting of more than one word. For example, it is acceptable to use either "President John M. Dunn" or "John M. Dunn, president." However, "Richard Carrick, director of alumni services," should be used in text rather than "Director of Alumni Services Richard Carrick." Some words identifying occupations or professions are pseudo titles and should not be capitalized even if they precede the name. Do not capitalize "attorney Amber Ackley," or "pianist Jennifer Stutz." Titles are not capitalized when used in conjunction with the name of an office, department or program. Do not capitalize the title in "Margaret Merrion, dean of the College of Fine Arts," or "Margaret Merrion, College of Fine Arts dean." Used in a list -- When used in a directory listing or other similar situations, the title may be capitalized whether it precedes the name, follows the name, or appears in tabular form. Used in an address -- When used as part of an address, the title is capitalized, whether it appears in text or block address form.
Capitalization of offices, departments, and programsThe names of offices, departments and programs at WMU are capitalized only when the full, official name is used, and only when referring to an office, department or program of WMU.
Note that the word program is part of relatively few official names at the University. The word program is not capitalized simply because it is preceded by a proper noun ("the Medallion Scholarship program"). Lowercase the word program unless it is part of the official name. Some names of offices, departments, scholarships or programs contain proper nouns and are always capitalized when the proper noun is included. The full name of the alumni center at Western Michigan University is the Harold A. and Beulah J. McKee Alumni Center. You should also capitalize McKee Alumni Center because it contains the proper noun McKee. However, the name alumni center, by itself, is not capitalized.
Capitalization of degrees, majors, and minorsExcept for languages, such as English, French and Japanese, the names of academic disciplines are not proper nouns and should not be capitalized. This includes references to disciplines in major and minor fields of study.
Academic degrees are capitalized only when the full name of the degree is used, such as Bachelor of Arts or Master of Social Work. General references, such as bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, are not capitalized.
Note that if initials are used, they are capitalized (see abbreviations) and periods should be used with abbreviations for academic degrees.
Use an apostrophe (possessive) with bachelor's degree and master's degree, but not in Bachelor of Arts or Master of Science. Do not use an apostrophe (possessive) with associate degree or doctoral degree. Capitalization (more examples)Capitalize: WMU Foundation. Capitalize: Waldo Library Capitalize: Bernhard Center Capitalize: Rood Hall. Capitalize: Lee Honors College. Capitalize: Bronco Mall. Do not capitalizeadministration, the administration, administrator When used in text, words such as those listed above are not capitalized even when preceded by a proper name, unless they are a part of that proper name. For example, the word alumni is not capitalized except in proper names such as, "WMU Alumni Association" and "McKee Alumni Center." It is not capitalized in constructions such as, "WMU alumni" or "Western alumni" or "Detroit-area alumni." Words such as alumni, students, and trustees are capitalized in saluations (Dear Trustees, Dear Faculty Members, etc.). |
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Office of University Relations Revised: July 1, 2007 |