Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

A

abbreviations and acronyms

far fa check circle Yes: Write out and capitalize the full name of an organization, department or initiative the first time it appears in the body of a page, followed by its acronym or abbreviation in parentheses. Drop the parentheses in subsequent mentions:

• • Students who are interested in volunteer opportunities with Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism (SOLV) should arrive at the Forestry Center tomorrow at noon. Be ready to meet SOLV staff for yadda, yadda, yadda …

far fa times circle No: Write out PCC’s entire name followed by the acronym or abbreviation in parentheses. It’s repetitive at best and speaks down to our audience at worst. The same can be said for commonly used names and abbreviations:

• • Students who are interested in digital security careers should contact Information Technology (IT) before next Tuesday. You can meet IT students and faculty and blah, blah, blah …
  • Come to the Audio Visual Department (AV) for tech help etc., etc., etc.

A further note on acronyms and abbreviations: While they can be a convenient shorthand for longer titles, it’s a good rule to let them happen naturally, rather than try to reverse engineer a name. For example, one might be tempted to call a reforestation program, “PLANT.” But “Portlanders Loving Amazingly Neat Trees” feels a bit forced.

Also, when using acronyms or abbreviations, try to avoid those that are commonly known and sound like something else. You may be the director of the Flower Buying Institute but calling yourself the director of the FBI evokes a considerably different meaning.

academic degrees

Lowercase, except when using the full name of a degree. In most writing, use the informal, uncapitalized version. The discipline is only capitalized if using the full name.

• • associate degree
  • bachelor’s degree
  • master’s degree
  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Bachelor of Arts

Use the word “in” before the discipline: associate degree in welding.

If an informal version is appropriate, you can optionally use the possessive: She earned her master’s degree. You may also omit the word “degree” if it’s understood from the context and omitting it improves the flow: An associate in business administration is typically earned in two years. A master’s takes considerably longer.

academic credentials

Unless it’s relevant, do not include academic credentials – such as Ph.D. or M.A. – after a person’s name. If you must include their accomplishments, write out the degree: Miguel Ramirez, who holds a doctorate from Claremont College.

Exception: Use abbreviations (B.A., M.A., Ph.D., etc.) when there is a need to identify many individuals by degree at a glance. Examples: alum listings, class notes or commencement programs.

Only use Dr. when referring to recipients of doctorate degrees upon specific request. However, it’s fine to use anytime when referring to a medical doctor.

academic standards

Lowercase, always. These are minimum requirements that students must meet to keep taking classes at PCC.

far fa check circle Yes:

• • academic standards

far fa times circle No:

• • Academic Standards and Policy
  • Academic Standards and Student Progress
  • Academic Standards and Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress

addresses

When including addresses in copy, adhere to the following:

• • Use figures for addresses: 8 Park Ave.
  • Use abbreviations St., Ave., and Blvd. with numbered addresses, otherwise write them out: The building is on Lee Avenue.
  • Capitalize and spell out First through Ninth because they’re street names. Use figures for streets 10th and over: 5 Fifth Ave., 231 11th St.
  • Abbreviate and capitalize the compass point designations: 1315 SW Lombard St., 23 Park Place S.
    • Do not abbreviate if the street number is omitted: Garden Parkway East is really close to her new house.

adjunct

Some faculty members prefer adjunct to part-time because many part-time instructors work 40 hours per week or more. Either term is fine depending on the audience. But in general, part-time is more clearly understood by non-academics.

advisor

PCC uses advisor, not adviser.

African American

Unless somebody chooses to identify differently, we use the term Black as it’s more inclusive, given the fact that Black people hail from around the world – much as PCC students do.

ages

Always use figures, as opposed to writing out the number: The cat is 3 years old. The car is 10 years old. The 2-year-old girl lives there.

Hyphenate modifying compounds containing ages when the phrase precedes the noun: Sally’s 13-year-old sister will perform a solo. Do not hyphenate when the modifier follows the noun: Barry earned his degree the day he turned 18 years old.

all-user restroom

All-user restroom is the preferred term. Lower case unless it begins a sentence. Restroom is also acceptable. Avoid using gendered terms unless gendered restrooms are your topic.

alum, alums or alumni

“Alumni” is falling from the common vernacular, especially at PCC where we respect all genders. So it’s alum or alums, unless used in a formal name: The Studio Artists’ Alumni Association. That’s a fabricated example – and one your PCC Marketing Department would recommend updating.

Note: Anyone who has taken any class at PCC is considered an alum.

far fa check circle Yes: Alum, alum
far fa times circle No: Alumni, alumni

ampersand

far fa check circle Yes: Write out the word: and
far fa times circle No: Don’t use the symbol: &

• • Exceptions: Marketing copy as medium and space dictates, formal names where it’s included, e.g. PCC’s Office of Planning and Construction.

and/or

far fa check circle Yes: Pick one, please. Usually, the word “and” will suffice
far fa times circle No: Don’t type out both and separate with a slash: and/or

annual

Events should not be referred to as annual until they have been held at least two years in a row.

far fa check circle Yes: The third annual gathering will take place in the fall.
far fa times circle No: The first annual alum gathering is set for September 20, 2025.

It is OK to say, “Organizers hope to make the symposium an annual event.” You may also refer to the first instance of an event as “inaugural,” which is always lowercase unless related to an incoming president. Then, use “Inauguration Day” or “the Inauguration.”

Also, the words “third annual” aren’t part of an official event name and don’t require capitals. So, it’s the third annual Cascade Festival of African Films.

audiovisual

far fa check circle Yes: One word, no slash. If abbreviated, use AV
far fa times circle No: A/V

B

Black

Capitalized when used to describe race.

board of directors, trustees

Lowercase, as they are widely used generic terms that represent internal components of an organization. Capitalize only when using the full, formal name: The Portland Community College Board of Directors approved the fee and tuition schedule.

bookstore

One word. Capitalize when using the full, formal name: the Portland Community College Bookstore. Otherwise, the term is lowercase.

book titles

See: compositions, creative works

C

campuses, buildings and rooms

On first reference, use the word “Campus” with the name: at the Cascade Campus. In subsequent references, use Cascade, Rock Creek and Sylvania alone.

Spell out, capitalize, and use the full name for buildings, especially when the reader might be unfamiliar with PCC. Use a comma and a space between the building and room number or name. Right: Jackson Hall, Room 200. Wrong: Jackson Hall 200.

Use figures and capitalize the word “room” when used with a numeral: Room 2.

Capitalize the names of specially designated rooms: Pine Room, Cedar Room.

canceled, canceling, cancelation

One “L” in the past tense and past participle forms.

capitalization

Use sentence case in titles and headings. Capitalize only the first word.

Capitalize proper nouns and use lowercase for everything else.

However, in marketing materials, one may use headline case for headlines when followed by a subhead using sentence case:

• • Find Your Future With PCC
    Check out the new catalog to plan your career

far fa check circle Yes:

• • PCC writing guidelines
  • Women’s Resource Center staff (“Resource” and “Center” are part of a proper noun, but staff is not)

far fa times circle No:

• • PCC Writing Guidelines
  • Women’s Resource Center Staff

In general, use capital letters only when you can justify them with one of the principles listed below, or when needed for clarity.

At PCC, we capitalize organizational units, such as department, and office, or program, whether they precede or follow the subject area: Department of Biology or Biology Department. We also capitalize formal names: Legal Assistant Program, Auto Collision Repair, Cascade Mathematics Department.

We do not capitalize subject areas in their shortened form, unless they are proper nouns: The student will study math, history and English.

Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. The instructor made the following promise: Classes will begin promptly at 8 a.m. and conclude no later than 10 p.m. There were three items on the menu: soup, salad and dessert.

Many words and phrases, including special cases, are listed separately in this style guide.

far fa check circle Yes, capitalize the following words and terms:

• • campus, when part of a name – Cascade Campus, Rock Creek Campus
  • course titles
  • names of PCC buildings and rooms
  • programs and departments when referencing the official name (which are proper nouns): Auto Collision Repair, Computer Science Transfer, Mathematics Department

far fa times circle No, do not capitalize the following words and terms:

• • associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree
  • college, the college – unless contained in full name
  • core, core courses, core curriculum
  • division, program, project, department – unless contained in full, formal name
    freshman, freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior
  • governing bodies, board of directors, committee, advisory committee – unless using full name
  • job titles, including dean, registrar, president, etc. – unless immediately preceding the person’s name
  • programs – such as journalism, electrical engineering and nursing, unless they’re a proper name: The student will study math, history and English.
    • But do capitalize programs and departments when referencing the official name: Auto Collision Repair, Computer Science Transfer, Cascade Math Department

captions

If the caption is a full sentence, end with a period; if the caption is not a full sentence, no period is needed. List people from left, unless there are too many to name (roughly, 10 or more).

Example: From left, Mayor Keith Wilson, Governor Tina Kotek and Senator Ron Wyden visited the college during fall term.

Cascade Festival of African Films

Not: Cascade African Film Festival.

Note: Although founded at Cascade, organizers use various locations for events, so be sure to include venues.

catalog

Not catalogue. Capitalize only when referring to a specific edition or in a proper name: The 2024-25 PCC Catalog is now available online.

Note: Catalogue is fine in formal names: The 1987 Citroën Catalogue had some wild designs.

century

Lowercase and spell out numbers less than 10. Hyphenate when used as an adjective: an 18th-century poet. Other examples:

• • During the fourth century …
  • A fifth-century relic …
  • The 20th-century mores …

chapter

Capitalize when followed by a numeral in referring to a book section. The students read Chapter Two for Monday’s assignment.

co-

Use a hyphen to form nouns, verbs or adjectives that indicate job or status: co-worker, co-chair, but dispense with the hyphen in other combinations: coed, cooperate, coordinate.

co-admission

The preferred term is dual enrollment.

conjunctions

In keeping with our desire to write in a conversational tone, we will occasionally start a sentence with a conjunction. It’s a handy, space-saving way to smooth transitions and a part of the common vernacular. And, like all things writing-related, too much is repetitive.

college, the college

Lowercase, always, unless part of a formal title.

commencement

We prefer the term “commencement.” However, “graduation” is fine to use in secondary instances. Capitalize the words when referring to the PCC Commencement; lowercase in other uses: About 1,000 students will receive degrees during PCC’s Commencement. Other community colleges have scheduled commencement exercises later in the month. The Alum Society Graduation Celebration will be at the Memorial Coliseum.

Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development

This is the state agency that coordinates Oregon’s 17 community colleges. State support to community colleges is funded in the department’s budget, primarily through the Community College Success Fund.

Avoid using CCWD. Use “the department” in second and subsequent references.

compositions, creative works

Capitalize the principal words in the names of books, plays, TV shows, songs, lectures, speeches and other works, and enclose in quotes without italics: “Catch 22,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Louie, Louie,” “Star Trek.”

Exception: No quotes are used when referring to reference books, such as almanacs, dictionaries and encyclopedias. Additionally, some works don’t require quotation marks around their titles, including religious tomes. We also omit quotations around apps, websites, software and game names, as well as sculptures and musical works identified by a sequence number (e.g., Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5).

contact information (see also: addresses)

When listing someone as a contact, don’t write out their phone and email address unless the information will be presented in a printed format. Whenever possible, link to the staff directory for ease of use and cleanliness of design.

far fa check circle Yes: Contact Poppie Panther
far fa times circle No: Contact Poppie Panther at 971-722-XXXX or poppie.pantherfakeaddress@pcc.edu

Format phone numbers like below:

far fa check circle Yes: 971-722-XXXX, ext. 1234
far fa times circle No:

• • (971) 722-XXXX
  • 971722XXXX
  • 971.722.XXXX
  • extension 4764, x4764, Ext.4764

course numbers and titles

Course numbers are written with capitalized initials, a space, and the number: WR 121.

far fa check circle Yes: Capitalize the official course title: Introduction to Expository Writing.
far fa times circle No: Don’t capitalize subject areas in normal use: Three terms of biology are required.

If necessary for space or stylistic considerations, introduction or introductory can be abbreviated: He took the intro class. She looked forward to Intro to Calligraphy.

class, course or section

From an administrative lens, all three terms mean the same thing, though “class” will suffice in most instances: Her self-defense class started yesterday. We offer ten sections of the Biology 101 class throughout the week because the course is so popular.

CRN (Course reference number)

far fa check circle Yes: CRN 12345
far fa times circle No: CRN# 12345

coursework

One word.

D

D2L Brightspace

Our online learning environment. D2L is the parent company; D2L Brightspace is the learning management system. We use the full name (D2L Brightspace) in every instance.

dates

far fa check circle Yes:

• • Write out full dates when referenced in a sentence. Use commas after the weekday and date (if followed by the year): The deadline is Monday, January 23, 2017. Finals begin on Monday, December 7.
  • Write numbers without the ordinal suffix (e.g., 1st, 2nd): The college is closed on Tuesday, July 4.
  • If indicating month and year, or season and year, do not place a comma between them: January 2017 or fall 2018.
  • For tables and lists, abbreviated forms with a slash (no hyphen) can be used for readability: Our office will be closed 1/23, 1/30 and 2/6.
  • If months or days of the week are abbreviated (usually in a table), use first three letters with no period: Jan, Feb, Mar, Mon, Tue, Wed

far fa times circle No:

• • The application deadline is Mon. Jan. 23, 2017.
  • The application deadline is Monday January 23 2017
  • January, 2017
  • December 24th, 2018
  • Our office will be closed 1-23, 1-30 and 2-6.

directions and regions

Lowercase east, west, north and south when used as compass directions, but capitalize when they indicate designated regions: North Portland, Southeast Beaverton, Southwest neighborhood, Eastside.

Abbreviate when used as part of the name of a street. Spell out and capitalize if part of the name of a city, state, business or other organizations: Turn west at East Elm Street and proceed to 31 W. Alder St. She is originally from the Midwest, but she moved to Oregon. The river runs east-west. The city is at the southern tip of Australia.

disabled

Don’t use disabled as a noun to refer to people experiencing disability. Use people-first construction.

far fa check circle Yes: Students experiencing disabilities may find easier access via the elevators at the south end of the building.
far fa times circle No: Disabled students may find easier access via the elevators at the south end of the building.

Do not use handicapped in any instance. And when in doubt, ask whomever you’re writing about how they’d like to be presented. For further guidance and reading, familiarize yourself with this Disability inclusion glossary.

district, the district

Lowercase, always, unless part of a formal title.

dual enrollment

This is the preferred designation for our agreements with other institutions, instead of co-admission or dual admission.

E

ellipsis ( … )

Use three periods and two spaces ( … ) to show that something is missing from text: She said, “There’s no point in going any further … because we have to respect the deadline.”

If the text preceding ellipses is in the form of a complete sentence, it should end with closing punctuation (a period, question mark, etc.), followed by a space and the ellipses: “We went to class. … The lessons in the program were challenging.”

If an ellipsis is used to indicate an incomplete thought, the ellipsis replaces the ending punctuation: He was going to class, but …

en dashes ( – )

Insert a space before and after a medium dash, also known as an en dash: The all-vegan vintage mountain bike festival – the first of its kind – will be held again next year. (Note: In Google Apps, en dashes auto appear when you type two hyphens.) See hyphens to learn more about the difference between a hyphen, en dash and em dash.

em dashes ( — )

No spaces are necessary before or after the long dash, or em dash: “The vegan vintage mountain bike festival—the first of its kind—will be held again next year,” exclaimed an elated Sunny Rider, who helped organize the sold-out event. (Note: In Google Apps, em dashes auto appear when you type three hyphens.)

Please be aware: PCC uses an en dash in almost every instance, as it conveys the friendly, conversational tone of our brand voice. The em dash is generally reserved for use in quoted content, either as it originally appeared in print, or to convey a speaker’s sense of immediacy or urgency.

email

No hyphen or capital letters.

emojis ( fa solid fa face smile  fa solid fa thumbs up  fa solid fa cookie bite )

Generally inaccessible and usually reserved for social media posts but occasionally used in newsletters, flyers and marketing materials. Use sparingly, if at all. And only at the end of a sentence, outside the punctuation.

emeritus

Lowercase when used after the person’s name: Learny McTeacherson, professor emeritus. But capitalize when the title precedes the name: Professor Emeritus Learny McTeacherson.

exclamation marks ( ! )

Too! Many! And! They! Lose! Impact!!! Rather than an exclamation mark, use active, impactful language.

F

federal, state

Lowercase unless word is used in a formal title, such as Federal Communications Commission. Lowercase the state of Oregon and Washington state. (Unless referring to the university, of course.)

flyer

Flyer is the preferred term for a small (usually 8.5″ x11″) printed poster or informational handout.

forms

Spell out and do not capitalize the names of forms, such as the financial aid form or registra­tion form.

fractions

Spell out amounts less than one, and use hyphens: three-fourths of the students, a one-third portion.

full-time equivalent

A full-time equivalent student represents the enrollment of one student taking a full course load or a combination of part-time students whose total workload equals a full-time student. For instance, two half-time students equal one full-time equivalent student. It’s fine to use FTE on second and subsequent references: An additional 14 students signed up, bringing the program up to 37 FTE.

fundraiser

One word.

G

GED^®

Avoid using unless it’s vital to communicate that you’re referring to the official GED^® test. Instead, use high school equivalency.

Use GED only on primary landing pages for PCC GED test services (e.g., pcc.edu/ged).

If you must use, please note that GED^® is a registered trademark. To be compliant:

• • Use the registered trademark symbol ( ® ) with every instance of GED^®.
  • Display this notice: GED^® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education and may not be used without permission. The GED^® and GED Testing Service^® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license.
  • Do not use GED^® as a noun. Instead, use it as an adjective with a noun, preferably GED^® test, GED^® test preparation, GED^® test scores, or GED^® test location.

General Education

Capitalize when referring to PCC’s General Education degree requirement.

GI Bill^®

Don’t use unless absolutely necessary to differentiate from other chapters. Use: VA education benefits.

If you must, use a registered trademark symbol on the first usage: GI Bill.^® The VA auditors occasionally search our site for violations.

To be compliant (based on VA Terms of Use), prominently display this notice:

• • GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

GPA

Stands for grade point average. All caps, no periods. If writing for a non-college audience, write it out in first reference (see: abbreviations).

H

headings (see also: capitalization)

While the capitalization of large, display headings in posters, brochure covers and magazine articles is often a design decision, follow these rules in routine text applications with headings and subheadings:

• • Use sentence case in titles and headings. Capitalize only the first word.
  • Capitalize proper nouns and use lowercase for everything else.
  • However, in marketing materials, one may use headline case for headlines when followed by a subhead using sentence case:
    • • Find Your Future With PCC
        Check out the new catalog to plan your career
  • Use all capital letters in acronyms.
  • Don’t underline headings for emphasis. Use bold instead.
  • Avoid all-caps headings. They’re inaccessible.

healthcare

One word, unless separated as part of the formal name of an organization.

his, her

We strive to avoid gendering people without their consent. If you’re unsure of someone’s gender, use they/their constructions: A reporter tries to protect their sources.

Unless it’s germane to your work, leave discussions of gender out of the story.

hyphen ( – )

Hyphens are used to join words, thereby expressing a combined meaning, or noting they’re linked grammatically in a sentence (as in one-on-one). Additionally, hyphens can indicate the division of a word at the end of a line, or reference a missing or implied element (as in short- and long-term).

Note: Hyphens shouldn’t be used in place of en or em dashes. See the en dashes entry above to gain a better understanding of the differences between hyphens and dashes.

I

ID card

far fa check circle Yes: Abbreviated form of identification card.
far fa times circle No: I.D.

ID number

Informally called a G number at PCC, the official name is student ID number. It’s fine to use both if the audience is onboarding students: Get your student ID number (G number) by completing the admissions application.

In-Service

At PCC, the formal, first-of-the-year kickoff has two capital letters and a hyphen. When referencing another school’s in-service, it can be all lowercase, hyphenated.

internet, intranet

Use online, whenever possible. Otherwise lowercase, for both internet and intranet.

L

legislature

Capitalize when preceded by the name of the state: the Oregon Legislature. Retain capitalization when the state name is dropped but the reference is to that specific state legislature: The Legislature will address Oregon’s school funding problem. The legislatures in several states have tackled the problem.

The word “legislator” is lowercase and means a member of either chamber.

Members who serve in the House are representatives. Use the title “Rep.” before their full name or a last name: Rep. Andrea Valderrama.

Members who serve in the Senate are senators. Use the title “Sen.” before their full name or a last name: Sen. Rob Wagner.

Committees: Use the full name. Capitalize formal use: She serves on the Senate Education and General Government Committee. Informal use: … as a member of the Senate’s education committee.

LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer)

See: Understanding diverse audiences

For a glossary of related terms; an excellent primer on fair, accurate and inclusive writing; plus a host of additional resources, please refer to the GLAAD Media Reference Guide.

log in and login

Log in is a verb: Log in to your account. Note: Avoid using the preposition “into.” The word “in” stays separate because it belongs to the phrase “log in.”

Login is a noun and adjective: Your login is required to access the documents. Go to the login page and enter your password.

M

majors

Lowercase in all uses (except words that are proper nouns) when referring to a course of study: Bill’s major is English, but his sister majored in economics.

money

Always lowercase. Use figures and the $ sign in all except casual references or amounts without a figure: The book cost $4. Dad, please give me a dollar.

Don’t use the .00 in even dollar amounts: $10, $23. Although, the .00 may be used in a column to keep figures uniform in appearance.

When referring to amounts of less than $1, use numerals along with the word “cents” spelled out and lowercase: 45 cents.

When abbreviating amounts of more than $1 million, use the dollar sign, up to two decimal places, and spell out the accompanying amount (million, billion, etc.): The board approved the $1.7 million budget. The foundation raised $2.45 million for scholarships.

N

Native American

As always, when identifying a person, ask how they’d like to be presented. When referring to Native or Indigenous peoples in writing, use people-first practices. Use the person’s name and the specific tribal name of the individual or community when possible. If referring to multiple communities or people, broader terms can be used. Capitalize all terms below. Some acceptable terms include:

• • Native American: A common term in the United States to describe Indigenous peoples.
  • Indigenous: An internationally used term that refers to the original peoples of a given land.
  • First Nations: A term used in Canada to refer to Indigenous peoples.
  • BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, People of Color. POC excludes indigenous people.

Reference the University of Washington Indigenous Peoples Terminology Guide to learn more about indigenous terminology.

newspaper names

Capitalize, but don’t use quotes or italics. Uppercase the preceding article if part of the official name: The New York Times or The Oregonian. Lowercase if not: the Mercury.

non-

The rules of prefixes apply. In general, no hyphen is needed for this prefix, unless it comes before a proper noun, such as non-Canadian. PCC exception to the AP Style rule: We hyphenate non-credit.

numbers

Generally, spell out numbers from zero to nine and use figures for 10 and above. Some exceptions include: ages, dates, money, percentages, scores, units of measurement, or years. When a number begins a sentence, spell it out, but it is often preferable to rewrite the sentence to avoid beginning with a large number. Additionally, you should avoid unnecessary zeros in figures and times, and don’t follow a spelled-out number with the Arabic numeral in parentheses.

far fa check circle Yes: The concert begins at 8 p.m. The cost is $5.
far fa times circle No: The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00.

far fa check circle Yes: Class meets for two hours Mondays.
far fa times circle No: Class meets for two (2) hours Mondays.

O

online

One word, which is no longer hyphenated.

At PCC, online can also refer to web-based classes, meaning those with or without scheduled meetings, though, it can also mean internet resources as well as the wider digital world. When referring to a class that meets physically, use the term “in-person” for an adjective or “in person” for an adverb.

far fa check circle Yes:

• • online (scheduled meetings)
  • online (no scheduled meetings)
  • The whole class met in person.
  • Intro to Communications is an in-person class.

far fa times circle No:

• • on-line

Oregon Community College Association

The agency that advises and lobbies for community colleges in Salem. OCCA in second and subsequent references.

Oregon Health & Science University

The ampersand and “Science” are correct. Formerly known as Oregon Health and Sciences University. OHSU in second and subsequent references.

out-

The rules of prefixes apply. In general, no hyphen is needed for this prefix, unless otherwise stated in Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Oxford comma

Generally, we avoid a comma after the conjunction when listing three or more things. As always, the less characters we use, the further our message can travel. And so we strive for brevity, concision and clarity in our writing.

Exception: Disparate lists. Should we suddenly decide to strive for brevity, concision, and a dozen jelly donuts, the Oxford comma starts to make stylistic sense. There is no tried and true rule to using or omitting the Oxford comma. While we avoid it whenever we can, we do not shy away when it adds a necessary element or clarification to our work.

P

parentheses (  )

In general, avoid using parentheses within a sentence because they disrupt the flow. Separating a clause or an independent thought with en dashes is preferred: She rode both buses to school – TriMet Line 78 and the PCC shuttle – during finals.

part-time, part time

Only hyphenate when used as a compound modifier before a noun: He is a part-time employee. Chris works at Starbucks part time.

people, persons

People is the preferred term to the more formal persons in plural use.

far fa check circle Yes: Many people attended the career fair.
far fa times circle No: Many persons attended the career fair.

Performing Arts Center

Located on the Sylvania Campus. Spell out on first reference, call it the theater on second and subsequent references. Avoid PAC. The Little Theatre (located in the Communications Technology building) is the name of the other venue at Sylvania: The play opens Friday at the Little Theatre. This is her first time performing in the theater.

periods ( . )

A single space after a period is sufficient. We do not double space at the end of a sentence, after the punctuation. Since the advent of computers, proportionally spaced fonts have alleviated the need for the extra room required by the monospaced fonts of the typewriter-era. Current word-processing programs use proper kerning tables to ensure consistent spacing.

plural words

Do not write out parenthetical plural(s) like these. They’re grammatically incorrect at best and inaccessible at worst.

Poppie the Panther

We write our school mascot’s name as it appears above, with “Poppie” and “Panther” capitalized, while “the” remains lower case. Though named after PCC instructor Nan Poppe, Poppie’s name is spelled with an “ie” to ensure correct pronunciation. Also, in keeping with PCC’s commitment to inclusivity, Poppie’s pronouns are they/them. Learn more about Poppie and how to request an appearance.

far fa check circle Yes:

• • Poppie
  • Poppie the Panther
  • Poppie Panther
  • They/them

far fa times circle No:

• • Poppe
  • Poppy
  • He/him/his
  • She/her/hers

 

post-

The rules of prefixes apply. In general, no hyphen is needed for this prefix, unless otherwise stated in Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Examples: postsecondary, postgraduate, postwar, post-traumatic, post-lunch.

prepositions

In general, it is best not to end sentences with a preposition.There are times when it’s stylistically appropriate, though best practice is to avoid it.

far fa check circle Yes: Where is the other incline bench?
far fa times circle No: Where is the other incline bench at?

far fa check circle Yes: I can’t put up with others failing to wipe down exercise equipment.
far fa times circle No: Failing to wipe down exercise equipment is more than I’ll put up with.

prerequisite

Don’t hyphenate “prerequisite.” Avoid using the redundant phrase “required prerequisite.”

far fa check circle Yes: French 101 is a prerequisite for the 102 class. Prerequisite understanding of avalanche conditions is critical for a ski patroller.
far fa times circle No: Knowledge of French is a required prerequisite.

president of PCC (job title)

Just as we do for all job titles, capitalize titles when placed before a person’s name, and put it in lower case when used after the name.

Examples:

• • PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings
  • Dr. Adrien Bennings, president of PCC
  • Dr. Adrien Bennings, PCC president

In subsequent references, it’s OK to use Dr. Bennings, Dr. B (informally), the president, or the college president.

R

regions

Capitalize recognized regions of the country, such as the Northwest, the South, the East Coast, the Midwest.

room

Uppercase the word when formal: the Cedar Room. The class meets in Room 128.

RSVP

“RSVP please” is redundant (“répondez s’il vous plaît” or “please reply”). Use RSVP.

S

screenshot

One word.

set up, setup

Two words as a verb, one word as an adjective and a noun. Don’t hyphenate.

• • Verb: I set up the room for the meeting.
  • Adjective: The setup time is one hour.
  • Noun: Equipment delivery and setup.

slash marks ( / and \ )

Confine slash marks to special situations, such as fractions, URLs, personal pronouns, and denoting the ends of a line in quoted poetry.

social security number

Abbreviate as SSN in forms or when necessary to save space, but avoid use in sentences. Views on capitalization vary, but since we avoid unnecessary capitalization in general, we opt to use lowercase. Social Security Administration is a specific program and, as a result, is a proper noun and capitalized.

split infinitives

In keeping with our goal of simple, conversational and accessible language, using a split infinitive (separating the to-be verb with an adverb) is permitted, as in one of the most famous split infinitives: to boldly go where no man has gone before.

“To go” is the whole infinitive verb, split by “boldly.”

Note: If adhering to this rule leads to confusion, or clutters an otherwise elegant sentence, then break the rule.

suspended hyphenation

Don’t do this. Either rewrite the sentence or omit the dash.

far fa check circle Yes: The game is designed to appeal to those ages 10 through 12.
far fa times circle No: The game is designed to appeal to 10- to 12-year-olds.

T

telephone numbers

Include area code, separate with hyphens.

Write extensions like this: 971-722-XXXX, ext. 403. Indicate dual or alternate extensions in the following form: ext. 4374 or 4375. Avoid splitting phone numbers over two lines.

List toll-free numbers as follows: 800-555-XXXX. Don’t include the 1.

Format phone numbers like below:

far fa check circle Yes: 971-722-XXXX, ext. 1234
far fa times circle No:

• • (971) 722-XXXX
  • 971722XXXX
  • 971.722.XXXX
  • extension 4764, x4764, Ext.4764

term vs. quarter

Use “term” in all references to PCC terms. The formal phrase is academic term, but term is fine for most uses. Lowercase in generic uses: We are open for limited hours during summer term. The meaning is usually clearer if you include the word “term” when referring to generic academic seasons: the first day of spring vs. the first day of spring term.

Capitalize if referring to a term of a specific year: The program will begin accepting students in Fall Term 2025.

theater

Use this spelling unless it’s a proper name: the theater in the Performing Arts Center at Sylvania, the Little Theatre at Sylvania.

timeline

One word.

times

Abbreviations for the division of a day (a.m. and p.m.) should be lowercase with periods and one space after the number. When writing a time that falls on the hour, do not include “:00.” (Exceptions may be made by designers when listing times in columns, to avoid a ragged look.) Use “noon” and “midnight,” not 12 p.m. or 12 a.m.

far fa check circle Yes:

• • 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
  • Noon, midnight
  • 1-2 p.m., 1 to 2 p.m. – both are acceptable
  • For time spans that cross noon or midnight, use a.m. and p.m. after both times: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

far fa times circle No:

• • 8:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m.
  • 12 p.m.
  • 8a.m.
  • am and pm
  • AM, PM – no capitals, unless in a marketing headline

titles

Use the title only in the first reference. In subsequent references, use only the last name: President Joan Smith has scheduled a series of talks in February. Smith said she would be ready to answer questions about the new policy.

Capitalize a formal title if it precedes the name: President Joan Smith, Vice President John Jones. Use lowercase when the title follows the name: Dr. Adrien Bennings, president of PCC.

Don’t capitalize instructor, regardless of whether it precedes or follows a name. Capitalize only proper nouns before a faculty member’s title: French instructor Shelly Bond. However, in general, try to write the sentence so that the term instructor follows the name: Mary Merriweather, a math instructor.

Informal titles that are actually job descriptions are not capitalized: programmer Terry Wright.

Don’t use Mrs., Ms. or Mr. except in direct quotations. Use the person’s full name on first reference, and the last name only in second and subsequent references.

transfer

Use university transfer or lower division, not college transfer.

U

United States of America

In the first reference, write out the entire name as you would any nation. In the following references, use “U.S.” with periods, unless you are writing a headline, in which case you may drop the periods: US.

United States permanent resident card

Use this rather than Green Card or Alien Registration Card, as both are outdated and “alien” is derogatory.

universities in Oregon

In all cases, spell out the full name of the institution on first reference.

In second and subsequent references, the University of Oregon may be referred to as UO (not U of O) and Oregon State University is OSU. Portland State University is PSU in second and subsequent references.

Lesser-known Oregon universities should be referred to as “the university” in second and subsequent references, unless it would be confusing to do so.

URL

Omit “http://” at the start of a URL. If the address begins with “www.,” you can leave it off, too. Likewise, there’s no need to end a URL with a slash.

far fa check circle Yes: pcc.edu
far fa times circle No: http://www.pcc.edu/

Don’t create a line break in the middle of a URL.

If the URL ends a sentence, end it with a period. But it’s better to rewrite the sentence to avoid ending with the URL.

For a complete understanding of how to format a URL, please visit the web team’s Spaces page about Linking guidelines.

username

One word when it’s the identification entered to log in to a system.

V

vice

Don’t use a hyphen with a compound noun containing “vice:” vice chancellor, vice president, vice provost.

W

web

Use online, whenever possible. Otherwise lowercase.

website, webpage

One word, no capital letters.

workforce

One word, lowercase – except in the names of programs: the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development. Avoid using OCCWD. Use “Workforce Development” in subsequent references.

work study

Two words. Do not capitalize. Hyphenate if it modifies a noun: She is a work-study student. If needed, use the formal capitalized name: Federal Work-Study Program. For most cases, the informal term “work study” is fine.

Y

years

Use figures without commas: 1996. Use an “s” without an apostrophe to denote spans of decades or centuries: the 1980s.

In second and subsequent references, the year can be shortened to two digits by preceding it with a left-facing or closing apostrophe: ’08.

For a span of more than one year, use six digits and a hyphen: The 2007-08 school year. Exception: If the span crosses the century mark: The 1999-2000 snowboard season.