Skip to main content

Editorial Guidelines

The words we use

Use this section to find style guidelines and rules for writing copy.

Web WritingNewswriting A to Z Style GuideCopy Editing Tips

Nomenclature

Because of our rich heritage and our complex and diverse community, several names are used to represent the University.

Official Full Name

The full name of our institution is “Northwestern University.” Use the full name on first mention in publications and in any situation where it’s not immediately obvious that you’re referring to a university.

Official Informal Name

Colloquially, we all refer to this institution as simply “Northwestern.” This shorthand is acceptable in all content where it’s apparent that the communication is coming from a university. Using it can lend a more conversational tone to communications.

Social Media Abbreviation

For social media handles, use the briefest and clearest explanation of your entity, but be sure to include the “Northwestern” name in the account description.

Avoid: The NU Abbreviation

It’s too generic to identify us and too casual to represent our University. (Although legacy names using the abbreviation may continue to do so.)

Using the "Northwestern Direction" Theme

The idea of the Northwestern Direction can be used in a variety of ways throughout communications. However, this language should never be locked up with the Northwestern logo.

Do... 

  • Make it personal
     "See Kyle Kremer's Northwestern Direction..."
  • Make it empowering
    "See what you can accomplish when you take a Northwestern Direction."
  • Make a point
    "Math by way of music. That's a Northwestern Direction."

Don't...

  • Use it for everyday information
    "For this Northwestern Direction, turn left on Sherman Avenue, then go 1 mile..."
  • Make it seem prescriptive
    "We all follow the Northwestern Direction."
  • Make it monolithic 
    "There's only one Northwestern Direction."
  • Make it an endpoint
    "Tony's Northwestern Direction landed him at Goldman Sachs."
  • Lose the institutional context
    "Take a Department of Quidditch Direction today."