Style Guide Entries for UMW and Academic Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
academic catalog
Source of information for official University academic programs.
academic degrees
On most references, use associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate in place of degree abbreviations. Do not use the terms associate, bachelor’s or master’s alone, since they are adjectives modifying the word degree. It is preferable to use a degree, not his degree or her degree.
Examples:
She earned a bachelor’s degree in English.
Use abbreviations only when necessary to distinguish the specific type of degree or when the use of full terms would prove cumbersome, such as in a list. The word degree should not follow a degree abbreviation. See honors concerning terms of academic distinction used with degrees.
Examples:
Correct: He has an M.S. as well as a Ph.D. in chemistry.
Incorrect: She has a Ph.D. degree.
The following abbreviations are used to identify earned degrees. Abbreviations for two-word phrases include periods and no spaces. Three-letter (or more) abbreviations do not include periods.
Associate in Applied Studies AAS
Associate in Liberal Arts ALA
Bachelor of Applied Studies BAS
* Bachelor of Arts B.A.
Bachelor of Liberal Arts BLA
* Bachelor of Liberal Studies BLS
* Bachelor of Professional Studies BPS
* Bachelor of Science B.S.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration BSBA
Bachelor of Music B.Mus.
Juris Doctor (doctor of law) J.D.
Master of Arts M.A.
* Master of Arts in Liberal Studies MALS
* Master of Science M.S.
Master of Liberal Arts MLA
* Master of Business Administration MBA
* Master of Education M.Ed.
Doctor of Education Ed.D.
Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D.
* Indicates degree offered at UMW
academic departments and administrative offices
Capitalize the name of departments and the words department and office when they appear as part of the official name or are used in reference to a specific institution. On second reference, capitalization is not necessary. See Appendix II, III and IV for a complete list.
Examples:
the Department of Biological Sciences, the biology department;
the Office of Admissions, the admissions office
academic rank
There are six academic ranks at the University of Mary Washington: lecturer, instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and distinguished professor. The title professor is reserved for those who have earned the academic rank of professor. Teachers are instructors or professors of a discipline but are lecturers in a department. (For AP Style, see academic rank in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
assistant professor of biology, instructor of physics, lecturer in the Department of Modern Foreign Languages
academic titles
Capitalize and spell out formal titles such as professor, dean, professor emeritus, and chair when they accompany a name. Modifiers such as acting, department and adjunct are also capitalized when accompanied by a name. The best source for correct faculty titles is Meet the Faculty found online at www.umw.edu/faculty/ or call the Office of Academic Affairs.
Faculty are instructors or professors of a discipline, not a department. Note that the campus telephone directory does not list disciplines, so do not use it as a resource for academic titles.
Examples:
Correct: Jane Jones, Professor of Biology (discipline)
Correct: Jane Jones, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences
Incorrect: Jane Jones, Professor of Biological Sciences (department)
Correct: James Smith, Professor of Linguistics (discipline)
Incorrect: James Smith, Professor of English, Linguistics, and Speech (department)
See acting, adjunct instructor, chair, dean, director, emeritus, instructor, lecturer, president, professor, vice president. (For AP Style, see academic titles in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
Assistant Professor JoAnne Smith
JoAnne Smith, Assistant Professor of Geology
Distinguished Professor Emeritus Blake Jones
History Professor David Fine
Acting Department Chair Joshua Hargrave
Adjunct Instructor John Jones
Senior Lecturer Joseph Smith
academic year
Use 2004-05 not 2004-2005 for an academic year. Also lowercase seasons, semesters and terms.
Examples:
fall semester, spring semester, summer session
He will graduate in spring 2006. She entered college in fall 2004.
She plans to retire at the end of the 2005-06 academic year.
adjunct instructor
Title used for part-time faculty member appointed to teach one academic year or less. Use adjunct instructor rather than adjunct alone. Capitalize when used with a name. (For AP Style, see academic titles in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
Adjunct Instructor Jane Doe teaches biology. She is an adjunct instructor.
administrative titles
Capitalize and spell out administrative titles such as chair, dean, director and vice president when they accompany a name. Note that at UMW, the title vice president is followed by for (and the area) but the titles dean and director are followed by of (and the area). See chair, dean, director, president and vice president. (For AP Style, see titles in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
Jane Jones, Assistant Vice President for Business Services; Jim Smith, Dean of Students; Beth Cole, Director of Alumni Relations
adviser, advisor
Either is acceptable; advisor is preferred, and the correct spelling for a notice is advisory. (For AP Style, see adviser in Appendix XII).
Advisory Council for Diversity and Community Values
Presidential Advisory Council consisting of academic faculty, administrators, staff and classified employees for the purpose of fostering a learning and work environment in which diversity, fairness, respect, and personal and institutional integrity are valued. Financial assistance may be awarded to campus projects and events that support inclusiveness, tolerance and awareness of community values on campus. Note difference between this Council and President’s Community Advisory Committee on Diversity.
aide
Student aide.
alma mater, Alma Mater
A school, college or university that one has attended or from which one has graduated. Capitalize when referring to a school’s official song.
Examples:
Mary Washington is the alma mater of many Fredericksburg residents.
The Alma Mater was composed by two members of the Class of ’47.
Alumni Association of the University of Mary Washington
The purpose of the Alumni Association is to promote the welfare and support the mission of the University, to encourage an enduring relationship with the University by deepening alumni and student loyalty, and to develop and strengthen the bonds of mutual interest within the University community. On second reference, Alumni Association is acceptable.
alumnus, alumni, alumna, alumnae
Use alumnus (alumni in the plural) when referring to a man (or group of men) who attended the University. Use alumna (alumnae in the plural) for similar references to a woman (or group of women). Use alumni when referring to mixed groups of men and women. Alumnus can be used for
single person, gender neutral. Do not use alum.
For graduates of the Stafford Campus and those who receive advanced degrees from the Fredericksburg Campus, include the actual degree and the year it was received. For undergraduates of the Fredericksburg Campus, name and year will suffice.
Examples:
Fred Johnson, BPS '02
Jane Smith, M.Ed. '01
Ed Jones, MBA '99
Samantha King, MALS '96
Peter Baker, M.S. '04
Pam Murphy, '99, M.Ed. '03
Jack Davidson, '02, M.S. '03
Jane Smith, M.Ed. '01, was named outstanding first-year teacher.
Ambassadors, UMW
Student volunteers whose mission is to foster appreciation for and a lasting commitment to the University of Mary Washington through service and to strengthen links among students, alumni, the University and the community. Program coordinated by the Office of Alumni Relations.
amphitheater
An open-air theater located behind Lee Hall.
architectural style
Most of the architecture on the Fredericksburg campus can be described as neo-classical or Georgian; however, because it is similar to Thomas Jefferson’s design of the University of Virginia, the term Jeffersonian architecture is also acceptable.
The architecture of the building on the Stafford campus, with its facade of glass and steel, can be described as modern or contemporary.
associate degree
Use instead of abbreviations for most references. Note there is no “s” at the end of associate. See academic degrees.
Athletic Hotline
A 24-hour recorded message where the latest UMW sports scores and schedules can be heard by calling (540) 654-1869.
athletics
University of Mary Washington is a member of NCAA Division III and competes in the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) with 10 men’s varsity sports and 12 women’s varsity sports. A varied intramural program, along with several club sports, offers a variety of opportunities for student athletes. The names of teams should be lowercase: baseball team, softball team.
Aubade
The official title of the University's literary magazine is the Aubade. It is published once a year.
bachelor’s degree
Use instead of abbreviations for most references; apostrophe always required. See academic degrees.
Battlefield
The official title of the University’s yearbook is The Battlefield.
Battleground Athletic Complex
The University’s athletic fields are officially titled Battleground Athletic Complex and are located on Hanover Street approximately two blocks from the residential campus.
Belmont
Belmont, located in Stafford County, is the former residence of the American figure painter Gari Melchers (1860-1932). The museum property, also known as the Gari Melchers Estate and Memorial Gallery, consists of the artist’s home, studio and gardens. Gari Melchers was one of the most decorated artists of his day. The stone studio and galleries house the largest collection of Melchers’ works anywhere. The property was deeded to the Commonwealth of Virginia and is administered by the University of Mary Washington. See Melchers, Gari.
Board of Visitors
The official governing board for the University of Mary Washington, which meets quarterly, is appointed by the Governor of Virginia.
bookstore
See University Bookstore.
buildings
Capitalize official names of University facilities. See Appendix I. University Buildings for a complete list of names.
Bullet
The official name of the University’s student newspaper is The Bullet.
campus
University of Mary Washington has two campuses. The University’s undergraduate, residential college of arts and sciences, Mary Washington College, is on the Fredericksburg campus. The University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies is on the Stafford County campus and serves adult learners in a nonresidential environment.
campuswide
One word. Also citywide, countywide, statewide, nationwide, worldwide.
CARC
The Campus Academic Resources Committee is a standing faculty committee that dispenses funds for speakers and other cultural programming.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity Weekend
Event coordinated each spring by the Office of Admissions. Students from diverse backgrounds who have been offered admission to the University are invited to attend.
centers
See Appendix IV. Administrative Offices and Centers, for a complete list of campus centers.
Examples:
Center for Historic Preservation, Jepson Alumni Executive Center
chair
A person in charge of a department or committee is a chair, not a chairman, chairwoman or chairperson. See capitalization.
Example:
She is the chair of the Department of English, Linguistics, and Speech.
class year
The preferred way to reference class year is with an apostrophe and the last two digits of the class year. Capitalize only when part of a proper class name. In text, use class years following a name. See apostrophe types.
Examples:
The Class of ’64 held its 40th reunion this year. Many attended the class party.
Joan Williams ’79 is Director of Alumni Relations.
classroom
Should be used as one word.
clubs
See student clubs and organizations.
COAR
Campus Outreach and Resources is a University-sponsored program that offers volunteer opportunities for UMW students within the greater Fredericksburg region and beyond. The program is student-led with one professional University administrator to direct the office.
cocurricular
No hyphen is used in cocurricular.
coed
University of Mary Washington is a coeducational institution, and some of the residence halls can be referred to as coed residence halls. However, do not refer to a female student as a coed.
college
Capitalize as part of a formal title on first reference and elsewhere when referring to a specific
institution. Lowercase otherwise.
Examples:
The College of Graduate and Professional Studies was formerly known as the James Monroe Center. The College has an outstanding faculty. She plans to go to college next year.
College of Graduate and Professional Studies
The name of the University’s campus located in Stafford County. If the word the is used in front of the title, do not capitalize the unless it is at the beginning of a sentence. In every letter and publication, the full name should be written out on first reference. On second reference, the Stafford campus or the College is preferred (when the reference is not likely to be confused with Mary Washington College), but CGPS may be used. Do not use the in front of CGPS. See also Mary Washington College and University of Mary Washington.
Examples:
The College of Graduate and Professional Studies serves an adult population. Students who attend the Stafford campus have ample parking. Faculty at the College find their students highly motivated. Classes typically meet evenings and weekends at CGPS.
commencement
Ceremony recognizing graduates; preferred to graduation. Use lowercase when referring to commencement in a general sense; uppercase when referring to a specific commencement exercise or ceremony.
Examples:
The commencement speaker has not been announced. During Commencement 2004, the speaker will be limited to a five-minute speech.
committee
Capitalize names of specific committees and task forces.
Examples:
the Alcohol Task Force, the Committee on Space Utilization
convocation
Two University convocations are held each academic year on the Fredericksburg campus for College of Arts and Sciences students. The Honor Convocation is held the evening before the first day of classes in the fall and is used to introduce new students to the University of Mary Washington’s honor system. The Senior Convocation is held the evening before commencement each spring and is planned by the graduating class to honor outstanding class members and selected faculty.
course titles
Lowercase when referring to multiple courses or courses in general. Uppercase if referring to specific name of a class or if the class uses a proper noun or numeral.
Examples:
a music class, business classes, an English class
Art History 260; Chemistry 211: Organic Chemistry
The professor teaches General Psychology and Psychology of Men.
course work
Two words.
curriculum
Curricula in plural form.
curriculum vitae
Academic equivalent of a résumé. Do not use CV or vita. Plural is curricula vitae.
dean
Capitalize when accompanied by a name. The title dean is followed by of. The titles assistant dean and associate dean follow the same rule. See vice president, director.
Examples:
Dr. James Smith, Dean of the Faculty
dean of students, assistant dean of admissions
Dean’s List
An academic honor to designate Fredericksburg-campus students who are taking at least 12 graded credit hours and who earn a 3.5 or higher GPA. Undergraduate students at the Stafford campus, where individuals typically pursue degrees on a part-time basis, who earn a semester grade-point average of 3.5 or higher based on six graded credits are placed on the Dean’s Honor List for the semester. See President’s List.
degrees
See academic degrees.
department
Capitalize department names. See academic departments and administrative offices.
Devil-Goat Day
A long-standing tradition, usually held in April, in which Mary Washington students graduating in odd-numbered years (Devils) compete in games and athletic competitions against students graduating in even-numbered years (Goats).
director
Capitalize when accompanied by a name. The correct title form is director of an area or program. The titles assistant director and associate director follow the same rule. (For AP Style, see titles in Appendix XII.)
Example:
Jean Doe is Director of Residence Life.
Distinguished Graduate-in-Residence
A program administered by the Office of Alumni Relations that brings distinguished graduates to campus. May be abbreviated as DGIR without hyphens on second reference.
doctor
See courtesy titles.
doctorate
A noun meaning doctoral degree; not doctorate degree. Use instead Ph.D. for most references. See academic degrees.
Examples:
Correct: He has a doctoral degree. He has a doctorate.
Incorrect: He has a doctorate degree.
Dodd Auditorium
Located in George Washington Hall. For off-campus correspondence and publications, always include the name of George Washington Hall when referring to Dodd Auditorium.
dormitory
Use residence hall rather than dormitory or dorm.
Eagle
The Eagle is the University of Mary Washington mascot.
EagleNet
The campuswide electronic communication system.
EagleLink
The University’s web-based Portal providing access to vital University communications, Banner Self-Service administrative systems, targeted content, and other community-building tools. EagleLink users (students, faculty, or staff) enter their NetID and password to gain access. Different members of the University community have different options when they log in to EagleLink. For more information, visit the EagleLink Web site at http://www.umw.edu/eaglelink.
EagleOne Card
University of Mary Washington ID card for students and employees. Also serves as a proximity card for students to gain access to residence halls. EagleOne Dollars can be deposited in an EagleOne Account to be used as a debit card for dining on campus and for purchases at the Bookstore. A
separate deposit toward the vending stripe on the back of the card can be made to use it as a cash card at different locations on campus, including the post office, Document Center, public copy machines, computer lab printers, laundry machines, drink and snack machines. For more information, contact the EagleOne ID Card Center in Woodard Campus Center at (540) 654-1005.
Eagle’s Nest
Food court located in Woodard Campus Center.
emeritus, emeriti, emerita, emeritae
Used to denote individuals who have retired but retain their rank or title. Emeritus is singular masculine adjective; emerita is singular feminine adjective; emeriti is plural masculine or mixed gender group adjective; emeritae is plural feminine adjective. Uppercase when part of a title. Place emeritus after the formal title. Lowercase when not part of a title. (For AP Style, see titles in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
Distinguished Professor Emeritus John W. Jones.
John W. Jones, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Philosophy
UMW Professor Emeritus John W. Jones lectured in Italy.
The department’s faculty included two professors emeriti.
Executive-in-Residence
A program that brings well-known and established leaders in the corporate world to the University. Note use of hyphens. Coordinated by the Office of Events.
faculty
Can stand alone on most references; use member in conjunction with faculty only when defining a person’s membership among the faculty.
Examples:
The faculty voted down the proposal. Jones was on the faculty for 30 years.
Harris, a member of the faculty, has just published his sixth book.
When referring to the faculty as a group, use is. When referring to several individuals, use are.
Examples:
The faculty is united in its defense of the new curriculum.
Several faculty are opposed to the new proposal.
Faculty Notes
Faculty Notes is a newsletter produced at the end of the fall and spring semesters to highlight the professional activities of the teaching and administrative faculty of the University. The publication is produced by the Office of University Relations and Legislative Affairs, in cooperation with the Office of Academic Affairs.
Faculty Senate
The Faculty Senate serves as the official voice of the College of Arts and Science (Mary Washington College) instructional faculty on all matters that fall within its jurisdiction. Twenty-five elected senators and an elected Faculty President comprise the organization.
Family Weekend
Family Weekend is usually held in mid-September and is coordinated by the Office of Events. The event gives families and friends of UMW students at the Fredericksburg campus an opportunity to experience University life.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act governs access to student educational records. Contact the Office of University Relations and Legislative Affairs or the Registrar for additional information.
first-year
Preferred over freshmen for reference to first-year students after matriculation.
Example:
The first-year students participated in orientation.
Foundation
See University of Mary Washington Foundation.
FRED
FRED is a shortened and acceptable term for Fredericksburg Regional Transit, which provides transportation services to citizens and guests of the Fredericksburg region. FRED offers free bus transportation for Mary Washington students, faculty and staff. FRED bus schedules are online at
http://www.fredericksburgva.gov.
Fredericksburg Forum
The Fredericksburg Forum is a University-sponsored program for the community featuring nationally known speakers twice each year. Tickets are available for purchase through the Office of Events.
freshman, freshmen
Class designation level based on the number of credit hours on a student’s academic record. Students with fewer than 30 credits are freshmen. Note use of singular and plural terms. See first-year, the preferred term.
Examples:
Preferred: A group of first-year students was walking to the dining hall.
Correct: freshman hall, freshman class
Correct: A group of freshmen was walking to the dining hall.
Friends of the Orchestra
See music, University of Mary Washington-Community Symphony Orchestra.
Fund for Mary Washington
Formerly referred to as the Annual Fund. Unrestricted gifts to this fund support scholarships, Career Services and other academic programs to benefit students. Bold text is preferred in all references.
Example:
The Office of Annual Giving communicates the need for gifts to support the Fund for Mary Washington.
fund-raising, fund raising, fund raiser
Fund raising and fund raiser are nouns; only when fund raising is used as an adjective is a hyphen needed. (For AP Style, see fund raising in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
It was a fund-raising event. The event was planned for fund raising.
The students held a fund raiser to help pay for fees to attend a national conference.
General Assembly
The General Assembly of Virginia consists of a 100-member House of Delegates and a 40-member Senate. The University of Mary Washington is a public institution receiving a portion of its budget from the General Assembly.
Georgian architecture
See architectural style.
grade-point average (GPA)
Spell out grade-point average on first reference; note use of hyphen. GPA is acceptable on second reference.
Examples:
University of Mary Washington grade-point averages are based on a 4.0 scale. A 3.0 GPA is required to maintain the scholarship award.
graduation
Commencement is the preferred term. See commencement.
Grapevine
The monthly newsletter for faculty and staff produced by the Office of University Publications is formally titled The (Official) Campus Grapevine.
graphic image
The University of Mary Washington, through its Committee on Graphic Standards, encourages the use of a unified graphic image in printed materials and in electronic publications. For more information about the graphic image guidelines, contact the Office of University Publications.
Great Hall
Largest meeting room in Woodard Campus Center (upper level). To reserve its use for an event, contact the Office of Events.
groundbreaking
Always used as one word, whether it is a noun or adjective.
Examples:
The Board of Visitors was present for the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Office of Events is planning the groundbreaking.
Hazelwild
Stable facility for the equestrian program at UMW. Located on Harrison Road in Spotsylvania County. For more information, contact UMW Athletics.
Homecoming
Capitalize when referring to the annual University event held in the fall. Lowercase otherwise.
Examples:
Alumni enjoy visiting with friends during Homecoming Weekend. University staff, students and alumni volunteers are planning events for Homecoming. The student’s parents were anticipating his homecoming with great enthusiasm.
honors
Upon graduation, students can earn the following honors based on grade-point averages:
| cum laude | 3.25-3.49 |
| magna cum laude | 3.50-3.74 |
| summa cum laude | 3.75 or higher |
| with distinction | 3.30-3.74 with 30 to 59 graded credits in residence |
| with highest distinction | 3.75 or higher with 30 to 59 graded credits in residence |
| final honors | 3.75 or higher in the last 56 credits earned at UMW, at least 44 of which must be graded credits |
| departmental honors | each department establishes its own requirements |
The correct reference to these honors is shown in the example below.
Example:
John Doe graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington.
honor societies
See the Student Handbook for official titles of honor societies along with descriptions and names of faculty advisors.
Hotline
See Information Hotline (540) 654-2424 and Athletic Hotline (540) 654-1869.
Information Hotline
The University of Mary Washington Information Hotline can be accessed 24 hours a day by calling (540) 654-2424. The Hotline, maintained by the Office of University Relations and Legislative Affairs, provides callers with options for recorded information concerning upcoming public events at the
University. Included in the menu are changes in the schedule of public events (option #3) and weatherrelated information about school closings/delays (option #2).
For further information, visit www.umw.edu/universityrelations/hotline/.
instructor
A nontenured, full-time faculty member. Capitalize when used with a name. One is an instructor of a discipline. See academic rank, academic titles.
Examples:
She is an instructor of classics. Instructor Jane Smith wrote the article.
invitations
See Appendix IX. Formal Invitations.
James Farmer Multicultural Center
The Center, located in Lee Hall, exists as a resource for students, faculty and staff. Its primary responsibility is to promote cultural diversity and facilitate student outreach. The Center sponsors many programs throughout the academic year with an annual Multicultural Fair as a highlight.
James Farmer Scholars
A joint project among the University of Mary Washington, the City of Fredericksburg, and the counties of Caroline, Spotsylvania and Westmoreland. The program identifies minority middle school students who have college potential and seeks to help those students succeed in preparation for college.
James Monroe Center for Graduate and Professional Studies
Former name. See College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
A museum dedicated to the presidency of James Monroe, owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and operated by the University of Mary Washington. Located on Charles Street in downtown Fredericksburg.
James Monroe Presidential Center
The Center is dedicated to the study, interpretation and presentation of the life and times of the fifth President of the United States. It is a sister institution to the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library.
junior
See student classifications.
Junior Ring Week
Long-standing tradition honoring students who have achieved junior status and are eligible to wear the school ring. A week’s observance in late March includes a ring presentation ceremony and a junior ring dance.
Kalnen Court
The brick courtyard outside Woodard Campus Center where the clock is located.
Kalnen Inn
Located at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center, Kalnen Inn offers overnight lodging for University guests.
Klein Theatre
Located in duPont Hall, Klein Theatre seats 295 and is the setting for presentations by the Department of Theatre and Dance.
Latin references
See foreign expressions for such examples as i.e., e.g., and others.
Latin words
Many Latin words and phrases are common to academic life and do not need to be translated for audiences familiar with academia.
Examples:
alumnus, cum laude, emeritus, curriculum vitae
Consult a dictionary when using the plural form of Latin words. For words that end in –us, substitute –i to form the plural; for words ending in –um, substitute –a. See also honors for use of Latin terms of academic distinction, such as cum laude.
Examples:
alumnus, alumni; syllabus, syllabi, colloquium, colloquia; symposium, symposia
lecturer, senior lecturer
A full-time faculty member who is provided a renewable term contract. One is a lecturer in a department. See academic rank.
Examples:
She is a senior lecturer in the Department of Art and Art History. He is a lecturer in the Department of Modern Foreign Languages.
lifelong
One word, no hyphen.
Mary Washington College
The legal name of the institution between 1938 and 2004, before the name was changed in the Code of Virginia to University of Mary Washington. The University’s current mission statement refers to the College of Arts and Sciences on the Fredericksburg campus as Mary Washington College. See also College of Graduate and Professional Studies and University of Mary Washington.
master’s degree
Use instead of abbreviations for most references; always requires an apostrophe. See academic degrees.
mathematics
Always spell out; do not use math.
matriculate
To enroll as a member of a body, especially of a college or university.
Examples:
She will matriculate in the fall. After matriculation, first-year students can use the Fitness Center.
Meet the Faculty
Annual publication with updated information including faculty names and titles. Posted on the Web at http://www.umw.edu/faculty/.
Meeting Rooms 1, 2 and 4
Located on the upper level of Woodard Campus Center. For availability and reservations, contact the Office of Events.
Melchers, Gari
Gari Melchers (1860-1932), an American figure painter, was one of the most decorated artists of his day. His former residence, Belmont, is located in Stafford County. It was deeded to the Commonwealth of Virginia and is administered by the University of Mary Washington. The museum
property, also known as the Gari Melchers Estate and Memorial Gallery, consists of the artist’s home, studio and gardens. The stone studio and galleries house the largest collection of Melchers’ works anywhere. See Belmont.
Multicultural Fair
Organized by the James Farmer Multicultural Center and typically held in April, the Fair offers diverse entertainment, ethnic foods and vendors. The event attracts several thousand people to the Fredericksburg campus.
music
Several music organizations operate within the University to provide cultural enrichment programs for faculty, staff, students and community residents.
University of Mary Washington-Community Symphony Orchestra – an orchestra whose membership includes UMW students and faculty as well as local community musicians. Friends of the Orchestra is a volunteer organization that supports the orchestra in its fundraising efforts to provide scholarships for student musicians.
University of Mary Washington Jazz Ensemble – a student ensemble that performs several times throughout the year, including one formal concert each semester and participation in the UMW Jazz Festival.
University of Mary Washington Wind and Percussion Ensemble – a student ensemble that performs several times throughout the year including one formal concert each semester.
Instrumental Ensembles – various ensembles, each involving a quintet of selected students, include the Brass Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble and String Ensemble. The ensembles are open to all students by audition, regardless of major.
Eagle Pipe Band – a group of pipers, drummers and highland dancers adopted by the University in 1997 to perform at commencement. The membership includes UMW students and faculty as well as musicians from the greater Fredericksburg community.
University of Mary Washington Chorus – a student treble choir.
University of Mary Washington Women’s Select Choir – a select group of 20 student vocalists that is also known as the Women's Chamber Choir.
BellACappella – a student-organized a cappella vocal group for women.
Encore, the University of Mary Washington Show Choir – a mixed-student show choir.
Fredericksburg Singers – a choral group that includes students, faculty, staff and Fredericksburg area residents.
Invoice – a student-organized a cappella group for men.
Symfonics – a student-organized a cappella group.
Una Voce – a student-organized, chamber-style a cappella group.
Voices of Praise – the University of Mary Washington gospel choir.
named professorships
Capitalize formal titles of named professorships on all references. (For AP Style, see academic titles in Appendix XII.)
Example:
W. Brown Morton III, Woodard Chair of Historic Preservation
New Student Record
A project of the Student Government Association. New students may submit a photograph and pay a fee to have their name and photo included in this publication. Sometimes referred to as the “Freshman Record.”
New Student Welcome
Typically held on the Saturday of Orientation Week at the Fredericksburg campus. Organized by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, the welcome includes information and giveaways from local merchants. For more information, contact the Office of Student Life.
office
Capitalize only as part of a formal title. Preferred reference for office and department is Office of and Department of. See Appendix IV. Administrative Offices and Centers.
Example:
The Office of University Relations and Legislatuve Affairs is located in George Washington Hall.
on campus, on-campus
On campus shows adverbial location; on-campus is a unit modifier.
Examples:
She has a job on campus. Students live in on-campus housing.
Orientation
Orientation activities fill the days between new student move-in and the first day of classes in August. A full schedule of academic and social activities assists new students with the transition to campus life and services. A condensed version is offered at the beginning of the spring semester for newly accepted transfer students. Coordinated by the Office of Student Life.
Palmieri Plaza
The brick promenade surrounding the fountain between Monroe, Virginia and Willard halls.
Parent News
A newsletter produced once each semester by the Office of University Development and mailed to parents of students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
part time, part-time
Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
Examples:
She works part time. She has a part-time job.
Ph.D.
Use doctorate for most references. See academic degrees.
Phi Beta Kappa
The oldest undergraduate honor society in the United States. The University of Mary Washington chapter was chartered in 1971. See honor societies.
Polemic
The University’s opinion and literary magazine is a student-produced publication that is printed two times each year.
president
Capitalize when accompanied by a name or when used as a second reference. Lowercase otherwise. (For AP Style, see academic titles and titles in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
Dr. Bryce M. Parrish, Jr. is President of the University of XYZ.
The President will present diplomas to the graduating students next month.
Last year all presidents were invited to attend the bi-annual retreat.
President’s Book Club and Authors Series
Program coordinated by the Office of the President to thank members of the President’s Council of donors for their support.
President’s Community Advisory Committee on Diversity
This committee has members from the Fredericksburg community as well as the campus community who provide the President with advice and guidance on diversity issues concerning current students and employees, as well as recruitment efforts for prospective students and employees. It also advises the President on multicultural programs such as the Multicultural Fair, Cultural Awareness Series and other similar public events and activities that involve residents in the Fredericksburg region. Note difference between this committee and the Advisory Council on Diversity and Community Values.
President’s Council
A UMW gift club recognizing a donor’s level of unrestricted giving in the amount of $2,008 or more. Coordinated by the Office of Development.
President’s List
An academic honor reserved for those students on the Fredericksburg campus taking at least 12 hours of graded credit and earning a 4.0 grade-point average. Undergraduate students at the Stafford campus, where individuals typically pursue degrees on a part-time basis, who earn a semester grade-point average of 4.0 or higher based on six graded credits are placed on the President's Honor List. See Dean’s List.
President’s Message and Annual Report of Gifts
Similar to a corporation’s annual report in which the President presents University accomplishments and reports on charitable donations to the institution. Published by the Office of University Publications in consultation with the Office of the President and the Office of Development.
President’s Travel Club
An ongoing program that provides an opportunity for the President to host VIP tours for University alumni and friends. Preferred booking is reserved for members of the President’s Council.
Preview
A one-day program offered on several dates in July for newly accepted students who will enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences in the fall. Coordinated by the Office of Student Life.
professor
An academic rank at the University of Mary Washington. Capitalize when accompanied by a name and when it is a proper noun. Do not abbreviate. See academic rank and academic titles. (For AP Style, see academic titles in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
He studied biology under Professor Ruth Bombay.
Ruth Bombay is a Professor of Biology.
proximity card (EagleOne Card)
The student EagleOne ID card also acts as a residence hall outer door access card. It does not have to be inserted or swiped, but works when in close proximity to the door. See EagleOne Card.
Red Room
A meeting room in Woodard Campus Center. To schedule use of the Red Room, contact the Office of Events.
registrar
The person responsible for registering students, keeping academic records for both campuses and evaluating academic credentials (transcripts and degree completion). Use Registrar (title; the person) or Office of the Registrar (name of office) when referring specifically to the University Registrar.
Examples:
The Registrar will assist students in learning to use the new Banner system to register for classes.
Contact the Office of the Registrar to request an official copy of your transcript.
residence halls
Preferred to dormitories. Residence halls are managed by the Office of Residence Life.
Reunion Weekend
Capitalize when referring to the University’s annual event held the weekend immediately following Memorial Day. Coordinated by the Office of Alumni Relations.
ribbon cutting, ribbon-cutting
Two words when used as a noun. Requires a hyphen when used as an adjective. Capitalize only when referring to a specific event. (For AP Style, see ribbon cutting in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
The Director of Events provided the scissors for the ribbon cutting.
Many donors attended the Jepson Alumni Executive Center Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. The opening of a new University building is traditionally celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
room
Capitalize in such uses as Monroe Hall, Room 104. For on-campus use only, Monroe 104 is acceptable.
Scholastic Aptitude Test
SAT acceptable on all references.
Seacobeck, Restaurants at
Campus dining services’ preferred terminology for the Seacobeck dining rooms, which include the Washington Diner, UMW Bistro, South Market and the Faculty/Staff Dining Room.
senior
See student classifications.
Senior Challenge
A program coordinated by the Office of Annual Giving to encourage UMW senior class members to make gifts or pledges to the Fund for Mary Washington.
Senior Convocation
See convocation.
Showcase
A special February program planned by the Office of Admissions to which students offered Honors Admission are invited.
sophomore
See student classifications.
sports teams
See athletics.
student classifications
Do not capitalize freshman, sophomore, junior or senior. Capitalize when referring to the class as a whole or collective group. See freshman and first-year.
Examples:
The senior year is an important one. There are 795 sophomores enrolled this year. The Junior Class sponsored the event.
student clubs and organizations
Contact the Office of Student Activities and Community Services (OSACS) for a current list of student organizations and clubs. Honorary and scholastic organizations and members of the Interclub Association are listed in the current issue of the Student Handbook, produced annually by the Office of Student Affairs. Also visit the Web page at http://www.umw.edu/osacs/clubs/.
Student Transition Program (STP)
A three-week summer enrichment program for accepted students from underrepresented groups. Coordinated by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Summer Leadership Program
Students accepted into this program develop leadership skills while working with major campus programs such as Preview and Orientation.
Super Saturday
Program coordinated by the Office of Admissions for prospective students that is offered twice in the fall and twice in the spring.
Tan Lounge
Designated for the use of commuter students, located across from the Red Room in Woodard Campus Center. Also used as a meeting room. To reserve for use, contact the Office of Events.
Teaching Innovation Program (TIP)
The Teaching Innovation Program (TIP) was established in 1986 and provides faculty with services to improve the quality of teaching.
tenure track
Use hyphens when used as an adjective.
Examples:
He signed a contract for the tenure-track position.
Several instructors are nontenure-track faculty.
She has been on a tenure track for 10 years.
theater, theatre
Theater is the preferred spelling unless theatre is the formal name of a particular group, program or location.
Examples:
Virginia is home to many outdoor summer theater programs.
University of Mary Washington’s Klein Theatre and the Department of Theatre and Dance are located in duPont Hall.
TIP
See Teaching Innovation Program.
titles
For rules regarding use of formal titles, see academic titles, administrative titles and courtesy titles. See also composition titles for rules regarding book titles, legal cases, computer game titles (but not software titles), movie titles, opera titles, play titles, poem titles, song titles, television program titles and the titles of lectures, speeches and works of art.
Underground, The
Located under the Lee Hall Terrace, The Underground serves as a coffee/karaoke bar and as a location for small social events.
university
Capitalize as part of a formal title on first reference and elsewhere when referring to a specific institution. Lowercase otherwise.
Examples:
The University of Mary Washington has an academically strong student body.
The University's faculty also is outstanding.
The high school student has not decided whether to apply to a college or a university.
University Bookstore
The University Bookstore is located in Lee Hall. The Bookstore serves Mary Washington students, faculty and staff.
University of Mary Washington
In every letter and publication, the full name of the University should be written out on first reference. If the word the is used in front of the title, do not capitalize the unless it is at the beginning of a sentence. On second reference, Mary Washington or the University is preferred, but UMW also is acceptable. Do not use the in front of UMW. Capitalize University when it is used alone as a reference to the University of Mary Washington. See also College of Graduate and Professional Studies and Mary Washington College.
Examples:
University of Mary Washington has a highly selective admissions policy. The University attracts students from all parts of the country. Mary Washington’s sports programs are among the best in Division III athletics. The “Great Lives” lecture series draws crowds to UMW.
University of Mary Washington Foundation
A separate, private organization that raises, invests and distributes funds for the benefit of the University of Mary Washington.
University of Mary Washington TODAY
A magazine published by the Office of University Publications for alumni, friends, faculty and staff of Mary Washington. It comes out in winter, spring and summer.
vice president
Capitalize when accompanied by a name. At the University of Mary Washington, the correct title form is vice president for a department or service. The titles assistant vice president and associate vice president follow the same rule. (For AP Style, see titles in Appendix XII.)
Examples:
He is associate vice president for facilities services.
Dr. Cordle, Vice President for Enrollment, will speak at the luncheon.
Ms. Sharon Brent is Assistant Vice President for Business Services.
WMWC
Student-operated radio station that is broadcast on campus.
Wash Room
Student recreation room on the lower level of Woodard Campus Center.
Washington Guides
Student volunteers who lead campus tours. Coordinated by the Office of Admissions.
weather
UMW weather-related messages regarding delayed openings and closings are communicated through the Information Hotline and on the UMW Web home page. See Information Hotline.
webmaster
Lowercase unless referring to a specific person or when using it as a title with a person’s name.
Examples:
The certification programs will provide him with skills necessary to work as a webmaster. The webmaster will introduce new University policies to students and faculty this semester. Jane Doe is Webmaster for Company ABC, Inc.
years
Use an s without an apostrophe to indicate spans of decades or centuries. Note use of comma after the year when included with month and day. See also comma and class year.
Examples:
the 1960s, the 1800s, the ’80s, the ’90s
The committee set July 5, 2005, as the due date for the report.