UB Style

In running text, writers and editors should follow rules set forth by the Associated Press Stylebook, except in the instances noted below. UB style also includes a short list of UB-specific terms such as “UB 2020” that are listed under the heading “UB Glossary.” Writers and editors should defer to UB style when a dictionary entry conflicts with UB style.

Writers and editors can deviate from UB style if they determine that UB style is not appropriate for the piece being produced, such as an event invitation or a listing of participants in a commencement program book. Additional exceptions are also acceptable in cases when it is impossible, due to technological restraints, to use UB style. In such instances, writers and editors should develop a consistent style to replace elements of UB style they cannot use.

academic degrees
When abbreviating, do not use punctuation: BS, EdM, MBA, PhD

acronyms
Acronyms may be used on second reference when referring to UB entities, provided that the formal name of an entity is provided on first reference, along with the acronym to be used: Jane Smith is a scientist at UB’s Research Institute on Addictions (RIA). She is a member of the RIA’s unofficial softball team. Long acronyms should be avoided. For entities outside UB, acronyms may be used only in accordance with Associated Press style.

ampersand
Use ampersand only when it is part of a company’s formal name or composition title, or when used as outlined in the entry in this style guide on years.

center
Common names such as “the center” can be used on second reference: UB’s New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences is downtown. The center employs top researchers.

chair
Use chair, not chairman, chairperson or chairwoman.

doctor
Do not use the courtesy title “Dr.” except in direct quotes: Jane Smith is a prolific researcher. “Dr. Smith has published many papers in peer-reviewed journals this year,” her husband, John Smith, said.

year
Use the full figure, such as 1984 or 2010, except when referring to the year of graduation of alumni. When referring to the year of graduation of alumni, use the last two digits of the year, preceded by an apostrophe: John Smith, BA ’93, recently published a book. In instances where alumni have two degrees, use an ampersand to separate the degrees. In instances where alumni have more than two degrees, use commas to separate the first degrees in a list and an ampersand to separate the last degrees in a list. List degrees in chronological or reverse chronological order, staying consistent within a publication: John Smith, BA'93, MSW ’00 & PhD '03, recently published a book; or John Smith, PhD ’03, MSW ’00 & BA ’93, recently published a book. In all cases, the degree precedes the year it was awarded.

New York State
Capitalize the "s" in state, which is contrary to Associated Press Style.

cross country
Do not hyphenate the name of the sport.