Abbreviations

Note: If a term is used only once, it is not necessary to introduce its acronym in parentheses:
  • The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) awards numerous grants. Our organization received an NEA grant last year.
Do Abbreviate
  • “Dr.,” “Rev.,” and all military titles when they precede a name.
    The word “the” should precede “Rev.” in a title: “the Rev. Billy Graham.”
    BUT: Do not use “Dr.” with a professor’s name. The University uses this title only with medical doctors, dentists and veterinary doctors.
  • Use an ampersand (&) only if it is part of an official name:
    Procter & Gamble
    College of Arts and Sciences
  • Academic degrees:
    Associate in Arts (AA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Music (BMus), Master of Education (MEd), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Names of states following names of cities and towns.
    Use two-letter postal abbreviations only with ZIP codes in mailing addresses:
    She was born in Farmington, Conn., in 1952.
    Send your class notes to University of Hartford, Office of Alumni Relations, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117.
  • Names of months with specific dates:
    Classes begin on Sept. 5 this year.
    BUT: Do not abbreviate March, April, May, June or July.
Do Not Abbreviate
  • Names of other countries.
    Abbreviate United States as U.S. or U.S.A. only when it is an adjective (U.S. customs). Spell out when used as a noun:
    • We live in the United States.
  • The word “percent” using a symbol in general copy:
    • Alumni participation in the Annual Fund went up 10 percent this year.
  • “Assistant” and “associate” when part of a title:
    • He is an assistant professor of art history (not asst. prof. of art history).