Editorial Style Guide

Punctuation, Hyphenation, Inclusive Language, and More

The primary purpose of the Rutgers Editorial Style Guide is to address topics specific to Rutgers that may not be adequately covered in standard style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style or The Associated Press Stylebook. In addition, the guide summarizes frequently raised questions of style and current usage.

Questions of style, unlike many questions of grammar, usually do not have a right or wrong answer. Instead, establishing a preferred style is helpful so that a consistent presentation can be maintained throughout university communications. 

The guide also lists proper names of units at Rutgers and preferred ways to reference chancellor-led units, schools, centers, etc. in university messaging.

We also acknowledge that language is fluid, so it is important for writers to stay abreast of acceptable, preferred, and accurate terms.

Feel free to address questions about Rutgers editorial style to Lisa Elwood, copy editor in University Communications and Marketing, at lmelwood@rutgers.edu or 848-445-1963.