Common Style & Usage Questions
This section is intended to help writers and editors communicate clearly and consistently about the university in print and electronic media. It addresses the most common questions that arise at UM-Flint about titles and tricky wording, but it is not a comprehensive grammar manual or dictionary. UR will continue to update the guide as new words enter the mainstream, and various issues of usage and style evolve.
For more detail on capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviation, please use The Chicago Manual of Style or the AP Stylebook, the university’s standard reference. For spelling, word division, and helpful usage notes, refer to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.
Use of “The”
In practice, the name of the university often is used with the article “The,” with a capital “T.” It is used in the seal. However, the article was never officially adopted as part of the name. Therefore, when referring to the University of Michigan-Flint in text (within a sentence), use a lower case “t” in “the”-as in this sentence. When the name stands alone, as on stationery, a brochure cover, or in giving the address, it is preferred that “The” be used with a capital “T.”
- Example:
- Today, the University of Michigan-Flint announced...
Use of "University"
When referring to the University of Michigan-Flint by name, the word “university” should be capitalized, as it is part of a proper name. In cases where the university is referred to in text, but not by name, the word “university” should not be capitalized.
- Do:
- An announcement made by the university…
- Don't:
- An announcement made by the University…
Abbreviation
The following are acceptable abbreviations for the University of Michigan-Flint name. Whenever possible, spelling out the complete name "University of Michigan-Flint" is strongly encouraged.
- Do:
- UM-Flint
- Don't:
-
- UM-F
- UMF
- UMFlint
- U-M-F
- U-MF
- UofM Flint
- U of M Flint
- Michigan-Flint
- University of Michigan in Flint
Formal Titles
Capitalize professional or academic titles immediately before the name(s).
- Example:
- Chancellor Ruth Person
- Exception:
- vice chancellors Dave Barthelmes and Mary Jo Sekelsky
Lower case and set off by commas professional or academic titles immediately following the name(s).
- Example:
- Ruth Person, chancellor, announced today...
In print, the abbreviation Dr. in front of names is reserved for medical doctors. To identify individuals who have earned doctorates in philosophy or education, the name should be followed by Ph.D. or Ed.D., set off by commas.
- Example:
- Mary Jo Sekelsky, Ed.D., announced today...
University-specific titles should be verified by using the latest edition of the University of Michigan Directory. (Additional verification may be required due to job changes and promotions.)
Many campus professionals may have more than one title. Choose the most appropriate title to the content of the publication. Over-titling will interfere with the communications process.
- Examples:
-
- Dean
- D.J. Trela
- Professor of English Literature
- D.J. Trela, dean
- D.J. Trela, professor
- NOT:
- Professor of English and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences D.J. Trela, Ph.D., announced today ...
Building Titles & Abbreviations
Below is a listing of the proper building names and preferred abbreviations.
- Proper Name
- Preferred Abbreviation
- Leonard A. and Zelpha E. McKinnon Plaza
- McKinnon Plaza
- Henry Howland Crapo Room
- The Crapo Room
- Central Energy Plant
- CEP
- David M. French Hall
- French Hall
- Frances Willson Thompson Library
- Thompson Library
- Harding Mott University Center
- UCEN
- Harrison Street Parking Ramp
- Harrison Street Parking Ramp
- Library Annex
- Library Annex
- Mill Street Parking Deck
- Mill Street Parking Deck
- Northbank Center
- NBC
- Plant and Service Building
- Hubbard
- Recreation Center
- Rec Center
- University Pavilion
- UPAV
- William R. Murchie Science Building
- MSB
- William S. White Building
- White Building or WSW