Names & Titles

Always include the first name or complete initials of individuals the first time they appear written in copy.

After introducing individuals by their full names, refer to them by their last name only, whether students, staff or faculty:

• The book was written by J. R. R. Tolkien in his old age. At the time, there was some fear that Tolkien might not live to finish it.
  
• President Walter Harrison was inaugurated in 1999. Since then, Harrison has had a remarkable impact on this campus.

One initial should never be used.

Use both initials, the first name, or the first name and middle initial. All initials and names should be separated by a space, except when initials are used alone, with or without periods:

• J. H. Henry, John Henry, or John H. Henry; but not J. Henry
  
• FDR, U.S.A.

Never use “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” “Ms.,” or similar titles in written copy.

Generally, use the title “Dr.” only when referring to a doctor of medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.

Refer to faculty by last name only, once full names and titles have been introduced:

• Assistant Professor Karen Barrett and Associate Provost Guy Charles Colarulli serve on the All-University Curriculum Committee. Both Barrett and Colarulli teach at least one class each semester.

Avoid using long titles before the names of people, such as “Vice President for Finance and Administration Arosha Jayawickrema.”

Instead, write “Vice President Arosha Jayawickrema” or “Arosha Jayawickrema, vice president for finance and administration.”

A department head, whether female or male, is referred to as “chair.”

When referring to emeriti faculty, place the word “emerita” or “emeritus” after the title “professor”:

• Ann Beck, professor emerita of history