KU Style Guide

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

In general avoid abbreviations and acronyms. A few universally recognized abbreviations are required in some circumstances. Some others are acceptable, depending on the context. Do not use abbreviations or acronyms the reader would not quickly recognize.

Guidance on how to use a particular abbreviation or acronym is provided in entries alphabetized according to the sequence of letters in the word or phrase.

An acronym is a word formed from the first letter or letters of a series of words: laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation). An abbreviation is not an acronym.

Some general principles:

Before a name:  Abbreviate titles when used before a full name: Dr., Gov., Lt. Gov., Mr., Mrs., Rep., the Rev., Sen. and certain military designations.

After a name: Abbreviate junior or senior after an individual’s name. Abbreviate company, corporation, incorporated and limited when used after the name of a corporate entity.

Academic degrees: In some cases, an academic degree may be abbreviated after an individual's name. See academic degrees.

With dates or numerals: Use the abbreviations A.D., B.C., a.m., p.m., No., and abbreviate certain months (Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.) when used with the day of the month.
      Right: In 450 B.C.; at 9:30 a.m.; in room No. 6; on Sept. 16.
      Wrong: Early this a.m., he asked for the No. of your room. The abbreviations are correct only with figures.
      Right: Early this morning he asked for the number of your room.

In numbered addresses: Abbreviate avenue, boulevard and street in numbered addresses: He lives on Pennsylvania Avenue. He lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. See addresses.

States: The names of certain states and the United States are abbreviated with periods in some circumstances. See state names.

Avoid awkward constructions: Do not follow an organization’s full name with an abbreviation or acronym in parentheses or set off by dashes. If an abbreviation or acronym would not be clear on second reference without this arrangement, do not use it.

Names not commonly before the public should not be reduced to acronyms solely to save a few words.

ABBREVIATIONS FOR KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The official name is Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. The full name must appear on the front or back covers of magazines, books and brochures. In general use, however, it is sufficient to refer to the university as Kutztown University or KU. Do not use KUP. Do not capitalize the “u” in university when the word stands alone: The university comprises four colleges.

KU DEPARTMENTS, OFFICES AND PROGRAMS

Higher Education jargon can be a barrier to students. Abbreviations for our departments, offices and programs are unfamiliar to many visitors, students, faculty and staff.
— Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, Heritage Center. Avoid PGCHC.
— Career Development Center, Career Center. Avoid CDC, often short for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.