The Ozarks Tech Brand Guide recommends that writers creating copy for formal use or external purposes follow AP style guidelines. However, this is not expected by employees writing for informal or internal communication.
This guide acts as a quick reference for common style questions.
Advisor(s) should be used
Course means a series of classes on a particular subject, usually lasting a whole semester or year. Class should be used when referring to a specific session within the course.
When referring to a course in general it should be lowercase. Only capitalize when referring to the specific course or program.
Only capitalize disciplines when referring to specific courses or departments.
Department is capitalized only when it precedes the full name of the department.
Write out the full names of offices and institutions before using an acronym. Following the first reference of the full name, write the acronym in parentheses.
Avoid unnecessary capitalization of important words. Capitalize proper names, but not simple technical terms.
Associate degrees are not written in the possessive form. When writing or speaking, associate should not have an s at the end of the word.
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are possessive, with an apostrophe.
Only capitalize degrees when referring to the specific degree name.
Always include a period between letters when abbreviating degrees.
Certificates are not abbreviated.
Use the following abbreviations for degrees.
Do not add the word degree after an abbreviation of the degree.
Like departments, titles are only capitalized when they precede the name of the person you are speaking of.
Faculty members should be referred to as instructors.
When establishing credentials, write the name of the person, followed by a comma and the abbreviation of their degree. Do not use both Dr. and degree abbreviations at the same time.
Write out the full year followed by an en dash (–) and the the last two digits of the following year.
In word, an en dash should automatically be created when you type a word or number, space, and then continue writing the next word or number. The hyphen will expand to the en dash when you space following the second word/number. If this does not work:
Do not capitalize when referring to semesters.
Only include a comma if writing out the full date
2000’s, ’90s, ’00s
Do not capitalize season.
When writing times, use a.m. and p.m. Do not use AM, pm or other variations. Writing a.m./p.m. with morning/evening Is redundant. Only use one or the other.
Use noon or midnight rather than 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. Never use o’clock when writing out time. Use to between the hours in text.
Use an en dash in calendar or tabular entries.
Unless gender is essential to the meaning avoid using s/he his/her. When writing about a neutral audience. Use the word, they in place of where you would usually use s/he or his/her.
When writing to a general audience, be careful not to mix singular and plural.
In general capitalize compass points only when referring to a specific place.
Lowercase when referring to a direction or describing a section of a nation, state or city.
We communicate the story of Ozarks Tech’s distinction using two messaging tools: messaging framework and messaging anchors.
Through the messaging framework of Ozarks Tech, we build a cohesive narrative about the college. We tell the story of Ozarks Tech using three core attributes of the college’s educational experience that demonstrate what sets Ozarks Tech apart from other institutions of higher education.
Ozarks Tech is committed to helping students meet their goals.
Ozarks Tech prepares students for the 21st-century workforce.
Ozarks Tech prepares students to live, work and become responsible citizens of the Ozarks.
Many colleges may claim similar attributes, but the way we give life to these features makes them distinctively Ozarks Tech.
The messaging framework informs the kind of stories and narratives we develop to amplify the excellence of Ozarks Tech. The messaging anchors are the unique features of the college’s experience that have earned Ozarks Tech its distinct position.
Through intentional, proactive student engagement, Ozarks Tech is committed to helping students overcome challenges in and out of the classroom to achieve success.
Ozarks Tech aligns its offerings and curriculum to best serve the needs of local employers and institutions.
Through low prices and multiple financial aid options, Ozarks Tech is the low-cost option for higher education.
No matter a student’s location, work schedule or level of academic preparation, all students can find a home at Ozarks Tech.
When writing a departmental email, making a social media post or writing marketing copy, the tone of the copy should be:
Embracing “Ozarks Tech” is about much more than a new visual identity. As we move forward, using “Ozarks Tech” as a primary naming option means it will be prominent in our communications, as well.
To capitalize on a name that has grown in popularity and developed its own level of recognition, “Ozarks Tech” will play a strong role in how we communicate. The following information provides guidance about using “Ozarks Tech” moving forward:
Campuses must be designated by the Higher Learning Commission and the Missouri Department of Higher Education.
When referring to different campuses or locations within the system, use “Ozarks Tech” before the location name. For example, “Ozarks Tech Springfield Campus,” “Ozarks Tech Lebanon Center,” “Ozarks Tech Table Rock Campus,” etc. Location signage and communication materials should be consistent with this approach.
