Quick Editorial Style Guide for Web

Quick Editorial Style Guide for Web

Georgia Southern follows AP Style for all print and web content. For the full Editorial Style Guide, visit the University Communications and Marketing resource page.

Georgia Southern University

Do not abbreviate as GSU or GS. The use of GS or GSU is only acceptable when quoted from an external source, such as an alumnus.

For alumni or campus audiences, Georgia Southern is acceptable on first reference, with the University used as a second reference.

For general audiences, Georgia Southern University should be used on first reference, and Georgia Southern or the University on second reference.

Months

When a month appears with a specific date, abbreviate Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec. Spell out March, April, May, June, and July. Do not abbreviate months when they stand alone or appear with only a year. Do not use a comma between the month and year.

• Correct: Jan. 2, 2008 or March 2014, January 2012
• Correct: She will attend the meeting Friday, Dec. 3, 2015, at 8 PM in the Performing Arts Center.
• Incorrect: She will attend the meeting Fri., December 3, 2015 at 8PM.

AM & PM

Capitalize AM and PM with no periods. Omit zeroes for the top of the hour. Do not repeat AM or PM when both times fall within the same period.

• Correct: 6-11 AM
• Incorrect: 6 AM to 11 a.m.

If you use the word from, pair it with to:

• Correct: The lecture lasts from 8 AM to 10:15 AM.
• Do not use a hyphen when using from.

Avoid redundant expressions such as 12 noon or 12 midnight. Use noon or midnight instead.

• Correct: 3 PM or 6:30 PM
• Incorrect: 3PM or 3:00

• Correct: The conference runs from April 5 to 10.
• Incorrect: The conference runs from April 5-10.

Telephone Numbers & Area Codes

Write telephone numbers with dashes only, without parentheses or dots.

Correct: 912-478-5549

Commas

Follow AP Style and Georgia Southern guidelines for commas in lists or simple series. Do not use a comma before the word and in a simple series.

• Correct: She loves dogs, cats and horses.
• Incorrect: She loves dogs, and cats, and horses.

Ampersands

Ampersands may be used in headings for design balance and space considerations. In body text, follow standard AP Style guidance and use the word and unless the ampersand is part of an official name.