In making style determinations for print publications, our primary reference is
The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law.
academic degrees
Lowercase degrees: Holly is working on her master of science degree.
Use an apostrophe: She will be awarded a master’s degree in May.
ampersand
In general, spell out the word “and.” Use an ampersand (&) only if it is part of an organization’s name.
area code
Use hyphen after area code. Do not use parentheses around area code. Example: 520-626-7301.
comma, in a series
Do not use a comma before the last item in a series.
dashes
Use an en dash (–) to offset text, including location identification for our official entities (College of Medicine – Phoenix, Banner – University Medical Center Tucson) and to offset clauses in writing. Do not use the longer em dash for any purpose.
fundraising, fundraiser
Write as one word, no hyphen, in all cases.
- The development officers are engaged in fundraising.
- The development officer is a fundraiser.
more than/over
Use “over” when referring to spatial relationships: A police helicopter flew over the hospital.
Use “more than” when referring to numerals: Last summer’s helicopter rescues cost more than $100,000.
numbers
Spell out one through nine. Use figures for 10 and greater.
Exceptions: When referring to age, money or percentages, use figures.
Regents’ Professor
Use an apostrophe: Regents’ Professor Stanley Livingston is visiting Africa.
toll-free numbers
Do not include 1 before toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866). Example: 800-555-1212.
T-shirt
Capitalize and hyphenate.
URLs
When a URL includes www., do not include www., and don't include the http:// or https:// in front of it.