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SLU Writing Style Guide

This style guide is designed to assist the Saint Louis University community in producing promotional and informational web-based materials about SLU. Adherence to proper style ensures that materials are accurate, consistent and professional. This reference guide contains frequently used terms and language that often appear in SLU’s webpages, including how to write about events, job titles and academic degrees. We have also provided a listing of terms, people and locations specific to Saint Louis University.

For style guidance not listed here, Saint Louis University generally adheres to the Associated Press Stylebook. If you have a style question, Marketing and Communications is happy to assist. If you see an error in the style guide or you think something should be included, please contact marcom@slu.edu. For buildings and facilities at SLU, this guide follows names provided in the official campus map.

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  • 1818 Advanced College Credit Program: No dashes between the numbers. Pronounced "one-eight-one-eight."
A
  • abbreviations and acronyms: An abbreviation is a shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase. An acronym is a specific type of abbreviation formed from the first letters of a multi-word name, term or phrase, with those letters pronounced together as one term. Example: CADE is an acronym for the Center for Advanced Dental Education. When using an abbreviation or acronym, the first reference should be to the full term, phrase or entity. 
    • In general, use abbreviations and acronyms sparingly. Do not use abbreviations that the reader would not quickly recognize. Avoid using several different abbreviations within the same section of content.
    • Specific guidelines for common abbreviations:
      • With dates and numerals:
        • Use a.m., p.m., as in 5 p.m., 10 a.m., 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 3 to 6 p.m. Use of a dash or “to” is acceptable, but please be consistent.
        • No. is the abbreviation for number and is always capitalized, as in SLU is No. 1.
      • Abbreviate certain months (Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.) when used with the day of the month; other months are not abbreviated. Do not abbreviate the month when used without a specific date. Examples: The midterm exam will be Oct. 7. The O'Loughlin Family Champions Center opened in October 2023.
      • With names: In general, do not use courtesy or honorific titles (Dr., Mr., Ms., Mrs., etc.) except for in obituaries. Instead, follow a name with the appropriate academic credentials. Abbreviate junior or senior after an individual's name, and do not use a comma between. Example: John F. Kennedy Jr. See also academic credentials and degrees.
    • How to punctuate: Consult this guide for specific examples. In general, omit periods in acronyms unless the result would spell an unrelated word. However, academic degree abbreviations should include periods, except for MBA. (See academic credentials and degrees.) Use periods in most two-letter abbreviations. Examples: U.S., U.N., U.K. Use all caps, but no periods, in longer abbreviations when the individual letters are pronounced. Examples: CIA, FBI.
  • academic credentials and degrees: In most cases, include a person’s academic credentials only for a terminal degree, which is the highest degree awarded in a given field, most often the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and including the doctor of medicine (M.D.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.). For a person with a terminal degree, include the abbreviation of that degree on first reference; use the person’s first and last names followed by the degree abbreviation, set off by commas, and the person’s job title, lowercase. On second reference, use only the last name. Do not use the honorific “Dr.,” except for obituaries. See also professor.
    • Examples: Elizabeth Jones, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, presented at the conference. Manuel Garcia, Ed.D., assistant professor of education, led the seminar.
    • When using the full name of a degree, only capitalize the degree when giving the full, formal name: Examples: Bachelor of Arts in History, or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
    • Lowercase when discussing the degree informally, but remember to capitalize proper nouns. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology, or he has a bachelor’s degree in American studies.
    • Use the same format for master’s degrees: Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration. You can also just say master’s on any reference.
    • doctorate (Ed.D., Ph.D.): Not doctoral degree.
    • doctor of medicine (M.D.)
    • Juris Doctor (J.D.): Note the capitalization.
    • Do not add periods to MBA.
    • Do not add periods to non-academic professional credentials or licenses.
  • Academic Technology Commons: On the ground floor of Pius XII Memorial Library. Academic Tech Commons and ATC are acceptable on second reference.
  • acronyms: See abbreviations.
  • addresses:
    • Use the abbreviations Ave., Blvd. and St. only with a numbered address: 20 N. Grand Blvd.
    • Spell them out and capitalize when part of a formal street name without a number: Grand Boulevard.
    • Lowercase and spell out when the word is used alone or with more than one street name: Grand and Lindell boulevards. All similar words (drive, place, road, terrace, etc.) always are spelled out. Capitalize when part of a formal name without a number; lowercase when used alone or with two or more names.
    • Always use figures for address numbers: 3674 Lindell Blvd.
    • Spell out and capitalize First through Ninth when used as street names; use figures for 10th and above: 7 Ninth Ave. / 1226 18th St.
    • Abbreviate when indicating directional ends of a street in a numbered address: 316 E. 32nd St. / 221 W. 14th St. Do not abbreviate if the number is omitted: East 32nd Street / West 14th Street.
    • For more information, see a list of streets around SLU's campus.
  • Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: The Jesuit motto. The Latin translates to "For the Greater Glory of God." Always place in italics or quotes, never both.
  • admission: See undergraduate admission.
  • Adorjan Hall
  • Advanced College Credit Program: See 1818 Advanced College Credit Program.
  • Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics: May be referred to as the Center for Health Care Ethics on second reference.
  • Allied Health Building
  • Alpha Sigma Nu: The Jesuit honor society.
  • alumni: More than one graduate. All males or males and females collectively. You may also need to refer to the following:
    • alumna: One female graduate.
    • alumnae: More than one female graduate.
    • alumnus: One male graduate.
  • a.m.: Always use lowercase letters and periods.
  • ampersand (&): Do not use unless the ampersand is part of the official name. Spell out the word "and" instead. Exception: Q&A.
  • Aquinas Institute of Theology: Dominican institution that provides graduate and seminary programs. Independent from SLU, however, the schools have an agreement that allows Aquinas students to use SLU resources and facilities. Aquinas students may cross-register at SLU, and vice versa.
  • Archive: Saint Louis University's yearbook, which ceased production in 2005. Always place its name in italics or quotes, never both. For information about SLU's historical collection, see the University's digital archives.
  • arena: Use Chaifetz Arena on first reference.
  • Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU): Spell out on first reference. A consortium headquartered in Washington, D.C., of which SLU is a member. For more information or a list of all members, visit www.ajcunet.edu.
  • Atlantic 10 Conference: The athletic conference of which SLU became a member during the 2005-2006 academic year. Atlantic 10 and A-10 are acceptable on second reference. For the full list of members, go to www.atlantic10.com.
B
  • bachelor's degree: Lowercase, but Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science. May use any of those, as well as just "bachelor's" on any reference. See academic degrees.
  • Bannister Alumni House
  • Bellarmine House of Studies
  • Beracha Hall
  • Billiken: The Saint Louis University mascot. A "good luck charm." Get more information about the origins of the Billiken. Do not abbreviate to Bills.
  • Billiken Hall of Fame: A Department of Athletics award that biennially honors those who excelled in SLU intercollegiate athletics, who gained national recognition after leaving SLU or who have contributed significantly to the success of SLU’s athletics program. Please note that there is no physical hall of fame.
  • The Billiken Shop: Official SLU bookstore located in the Busch Student Center.
  • Billiken Soccer Legacy Center
  • Billiken Sports Center: The collective name of all athletic fields and facilities, including Chaifetz Arena, along Laclede Avenue at Compton Avenue, and the Robert R. Hermann Stadium for men’s and women’s soccer.
  • Biomedical Engineering Building
  • BSC: Busch Student Center: Use full name on first reference.
  • Boeing Institute of International Business: Part of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business.
  • boilerplate: Standardized language for describing the University. To view SLU’s boilerplate, click here.
  • Boileau Hall
  • bookstore: The Billiken Shop
  • Brouster Hall
  • buildings: List of SLU buildings and their addresses
  • Busch Student Center: Use full name on first reference. Busch Center or BSC are acceptable on second reference.
C
  • campus: Saint Louis University has two campuses, St. Louis and Madrid. When referring to parts of the St. Louis campus, use the exact location whenever possible. Example: The lecture will take place in the Père Marquette Gallery, DuBourg Hall.
    • When it is not possible to refer to an exact location, the use of “North Campus” or “South Campus” is acceptable. Capitalize when using the term Madrid Campus, but note that Campus is not part of the name of Saint Louis University — Madrid. Example: The utility infrastructure updates will impact North Campus on Saturday.
  • capitalization: Capitalize the proper names of all colleges, schools, centers, departments, administrative divisions and offices: College of Arts and Sciences; School of Medicine; Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship; Department of Biology; Division of Student Development; Office of the University Registrar.
    • Do not capitalize if you reverse the order of words and/or refer to the entity in a less formal way: law school; medical school; biology department; registrar's office; vaccine center. Exceptions are made for names that contain proper nouns: the English department, the American studies department.
    • Do not capitalize job titles unless they directly precede a name, or they have a branded official name, or are an endowed chair or professorship. Saint Louis University President Fred Pestello, Ph.D.; Jackson Nickerson, Ph.D., is the Edward Jones Dean of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. Fred Pestello, Ph.D., president of SLU.
  • Caroline Building, one of three buildings housing the School of Medicine.
  • Caroline Mall: Formerly Caroline Street.
  • Catholic, Jesuit: When describing the religious affiliation of Saint Louis University, use these terms in this order. Proper language also can be found in the University boilerplate.
  • Catholic Studies Center
  • Centers: Saint Louis University has two degree-granting centers, the Center for Advanced Dental Education (CADE is acceptable on second reference) and the Center for Health Outcomes Research (SLUCOR). There are also several named centers, centers of research or resources, and building locations with "center" in the title. Also see institutes. Use the full names of each center on first references. Please refer to entries in this guide for named centers under their full titles.
  • Center for Global Citizenship: Note that this is a physical location on campus.
  • certifications: In general, do not include a person’s professional certifications after his or her name. When these are listed, they do not take periods, such as RN.
  • Chaifetz Arena: Official name. There is no "the" used before "Chaifetz Arena" in a sentence. Do not refer to "The Arena" or "SLU Arena."
  • Chaifetz Pavilion
  • Clemens Hall: Part of the Griesedieck Complex.
  • clock tower: The official name of the area around the clock tower is Lipic Clock Tower Plaza. The landmark itself is the clock tower, which is two words, always lowercase.
  • Clock Tower Accords: 13-point document resulting from a peaceful six-day occupation at the campus clock tower that included daily teach-ins and community conversations during October 2014.
  • college: Lowercase when it stands alone, even when referring to a specific college.
  • College Church: See St. Francis Xavier College Church.
  • College for Public Health and Social Justice: Capitalized only when full name is used. Use full name on first reference. Note the "for" rather than "of."
  • College of Arts and Sciences: Capitalized only when full name is used. Use full name on first reference.
  • College of Philosophy and Letters: Capitalized only when full name is used. Use full name on first reference.
  • composition titles: For larger works — books, plays, albums — italicize. For portions of works — chapters, poems, songs — use quotation marks.
  • Cook Hall: Although the full name of the building is John and Lucy Cook Hall, Cook Hall is acceptable on first reference.
  • coursework: One word.
  • Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship: A resource that promotes multicultural awareness, education and support services to historically underrepresented and marginalized student populations. Located inside the Center for Global Citizenship.
  • Cupples House: Use Samuel Cupples House on first reference. The lower-level gallery is named the McNamee Gallery.
  • cura personalis: An Ignatian term meaning a personal concern and respect for others. Always place in italics or quotes, never both.
D
  • Dates: The proper order is weekday, month, date, year.
    • Use weekday for upcoming events but not for past events. Do not abbreviate days of the week.
    • Abbreviate the months Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec. when used with a date. Do not abbreviate months when used without a date.
    • Do not use numeric suffixes for dates, such as -th. Examples: Friday, Nov. 10, 2024. Jan. 1, 2023. October 2018.
  • Davis-Shaughnessy Hall: Although connected to John and Lucy Cook Hall, this building retains its original name. Note the hyphen.
  • Days of the week. Do not abbreviate. The day of the week is not necessary when writing about an event in the past.
  • De Mattias Hall: Note the space between "De" and "Mattias."
  • departments: See capitalization.
  • Des Peres Hall: One of the two buildings housing the Center for Global Citizenship.
  • DineSLU: Known externally as Sodexo. Provides food service to SLU’s campus.
  • Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement: DICE is acceptable on second reference and in headlines.
  • doctorate: Not doctoral degree. See academic degrees.
  • Doisy: There are many SLU entities named in honor of Edward A. Doisy, Ph.D., former SLU biochemistry professor and Nobel Prize winner, and members of his family. Please be sure to use the full name of any of these on first reference to avoid confusion. Doisy-named entities are:
    • Alice A. Doisy Professor: An endowed faculty position in the School of Medicine.
    • Doisy College of Health Sciences: Acceptable on first reference. Its full formal name is Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences.
    • Doisy Hall: A building that is part of the School of Medicine complex, which also includes Schwitalla Hall and the Caroline Building.
    • Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: A department within the SLU School of Medicine. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is acceptable on first reference.
    • Edward A. Doisy Research Center: The Doisy Research Center is acceptable on first reference.
    • Margaret McCormick Doisy Learning Resources Center: The Learning Resources Center is acceptable on first reference. LRC is acceptable on second reference.
  • Donor societies: Please refer to this current list of SLU's donor societies.
  • Dreiling-Marshall Hall: Home of the Center for Advanced Dental Education.
  • Drummond Hall
  • Drury Rally Plaza
  • DuBourg Hall: Located at One N. Grand Blvd.
E
  • Earhart Hall
  • Eckelkamp Center for Campus Ministry. Houses Campus Ministry.
  • Education Union
  • Edward A. Doisy Research Center
  • Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences: Although this is the full name, Doisy College of Health Sciences is acceptable on first reference. Please note that this is not the name of the building where the college is housed. (That is the Allied Health Building.)
  • Ellen Clark Sculpture Park: Northeast corner of the intersection of Grand and Lindell boulevards. Do not refer to as the dog park.
  • Emerson Leadership Institute: Part of the Chaifetz School of Business
  • Event information: The proper way to list events is time, date, place.
    Examples: The rally will take place at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23, at Busch Student Center.
F
  • Faculty and Staff Children Exchange Program (FACHEX): Use full name on first reference.
  • Faculty Senate
  • FAQ: Acceptable in all uses for "frequently asked questions."
  • Father: Do not use this to refer to clergy unless the person’s religious order is unknown. Listing the person’s religious order is preferred. The Global Catholic Resource Center offers a list of common religious orders and their abbreviations. When used, always spell out. Capitalize before a name and use only in a direct quote. Example: "I told Father Sebastian he was a good teacher."
  • Father Biondi, S.J., Way: The honorary name of Grand Boulevard between Lafayette Avenue and Lindell Boulevard. Addresses of buildings along the stretch continue to be listed as Grand Boulevard.
  • Fern and Russell F. de Greeff Park
  • Field Hockey Complex
  • First-Year Experience: Note the hyphen.
  • Fitzgerald Hall
  • fleur-de-lis: Always hyphenate. Note that the plural is fleurs-de-lis.
  • forum: Forums — not fora — is the preferred plural form.
  • Fresh Gatherings Cafe + Farm: Student-run cafe operated by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and the culinary program. Note the plus sign.
  • Fusz Hall: A residence hall that also is home to SLU's Museum of Contemporary Religious Art, as well as Billiken’s Lair food court.
G
  • gendered language: Gender-neutral language is preferred for University communications. When encountering a gendered term (see examples), update to a gender-neutral version whenever possible.
    Example: “Chairman” should be “chair;” “Heroine” should be “hero;” “Campus policeman” should be “Public Safety officer,” etc.
    Use preferred pronouns if specified.
  • Grand Center Arts District: Primarily an arts district, located north of the University.
  • Grand Hall
  • Grand Dining Hall: SLU’s main dining hall, located in Grand Hall. Note that the hall offers “all-you-care-to-eat” dining rather than “all-you-can-eat.”
  • Grand Forest Apartments
  • Griesedieck Complex: The residence hall complex comprises Clemens, Walsh and Griesedieck halls.
  • Griesedieck Hall: The tower at the center of the Griesedieck Complex.
H
  • health care: Two words in all cases.
  • Health Sciences Education Union
  • Hermann Stadium: See Robert R. Hermann Stadium.
  • Higher purpose. Greater good.: The brand of Saint Louis University.
    • When the phrase is used as a design element, it should appear as follows: Higher purpose. Greater good. When using the concept in prose, it should appear as follows: higher purpose, greater good.
    • When referring to the "Higher purpose. Greater good." branding campaign itself, the tagline should appear in quotation marks.
  • honors and rankings: University and program rankings come from many sources. When considering which Saint Louis University rankings and honors to highlight, consider whether the source is a trusted authority and examine the methodology used to create the ranking. Was quantitative data, such as educational and research outcomes, used? Does the ranking accurately reflect a noteworthy strength of the University or a specific program? See current rankings used to promote Saint Louis University.
I
  • Ignacio Hall: Formerly Hotel Ignacio, became student housing in fall 2024.
  • Ignatian: A descriptive term for those things of or relating to St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, or the Jesuit order.
  • IHS: The letters featured on the shield of the University seal. They are a monogram of the name Jesus Christ in Greek.
  • Il Monastero
  • Information Technology Services: ITS is acceptable on second reference.
  • Institutes: Saint Louis University has many institutes for study, research, medical treatment and other areas of focus. Please see capitalization for guidance on using in a sentence.
  • Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building
  • Intramural Field
J
  • Jesuit Center: Residence for Jesuits.
  • Jesuits: Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution, affiliated with the religious order known as the Jesuits or the Society of Jesus.
  • Job titles: Lowercase when placed after a name, unless the name contains a proper name, such as an endowed chair or professorship. Capitalize only when directly preceding a name. Examples: SLU President Fred Pestello; Sam Spade, associate professor of English; Anne Michelle Carpenter, Ph.D., Danforth Chair in Theological Studies
  • Joe and Loretta Scott Hall: Home of the School of Law in downtown St. Louis. Scott Hall is acceptable on first reference.
  • John and Lucy Cook Hall: Home of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. Cook Hall is acceptable on first reference.
  • Dr. Jonathan C. Smith Amphitheater: Name of the amphitheater at the Lipic ClockTower Plaza.
K
  • Kelley Auditorium: One of the three underground lecture halls in the science complex behind Busch Student Center. The structure also includes Lee Hall and Baer-Fuller Hall.
  • Koenig Plaza: The mall area surrounded by Macelwane, Monsanto and Shannon halls.
  • KSLU Radio: Saint Louis University's student radio organization. Available as an online streaming service at kslu.slu.edu.
L
  • Laclede Garage
  • Lay Center for Education and the Arts: Located in Louisiana, Missouri.
  • Learning Resources Center: Use full name on first reference. LRC is acceptable on second reference.
  • Lewis Annex: Part of the Pius XII Memorial Library.
  • library: University Libraries manages the libraries associated with Saint Louis University.
  • Lipic Clock Tower Plaza
  • Lipic Cloister Walk
  • Litteken Hall
M
  • Macelwane Hall
  • magis: An Ignatian term meaning "a striving for excellence." Always place in italics or quotes, never both.
  • Manresa Center: The University's conference and retreat center, located on Washington Avenue at Sarah Avenue.
  • Marchetti Towers: Two residence halls with apartment-style living. Differentiated by the designation "East" or "West." Marchetti Towers East; Marchetti Towers West. Note the capital "E" and "W."
  • Marguerite Hall
  • Mass: When referring to a Catholic religious service, it is preferred over the word “service” and is always capitalized.
  • master's degree: Lowercase, but Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration. May use any of those, as well as just "master's" on any reference. See academic degrees.
  • Mattfeldt-Beman Teaching Garden
  • McDonnell Douglas Hall: No hyphen.
  • McGannon Hall
  • Medical Center Library
  • Medical Center Stadium
  • medical school building: Lowercase. Preferred term is Schwitalla Hall.
  • Midtown: Area of St. Louis encompassing Grand Center and Saint Louis University. Capitalized.
  • Monsanto Hall
  • Monteleone Hall
  • Morrissey Hall
  • Museum of Art: Officially known as the Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA).
  • Museum of Contemporary Religious Art: MOCRA is acceptable on second reference.
N
  • Nancy McNeir Ring Award: Award for an outstanding faculty member as chosen by the members of Alpha Sigma Nu. "Ring" is part of the name; the award is not a ring.
  • Newslink: The email newsletter for the SLU community. Published three times per week during the school year and twice weekly during the summer.
O

  • O'Donnell Hall: Houses Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA).

  • office: See capitalization.

  • Olive Compton Garage

  • Oliver Hall

  • O’Loughlin Family Champions Center: A facility to support student-athletes with academic and career advising, sports performance, wellness and sports psychology. It connects to Chaifetz Arena.

  • O'Neil Hall

  • Oriflamme: A group of student leaders for first-year fall orientation and move-in.

P
  • Padre Arrupe Hall: Building at SLU-Madrid.
  • Padre Rubio Hall: Building at SLU-Madrid.
  • parking garage: Not capitalized unless used with a specific title, e.g. Laclede Parking Garage.
  • parking lots: The University's parking lots are named after other U.S. Jesuit schools. For specific names, consult www.slu.edu/parking.
  • Parks: Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology is now part of the School of Science and Engineering. The Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science continues to honor the legacy of Oliver “Lafe” Parks, who donated his aviation school to SLU in 1946.
  • Père Marquette Gallery: In DuBourg Hall. Note the accent over the first "e" in Pere.
  • Pius XII Memorial Library: Use full name on first reference. Pius Library is appropriate on second reference.
  • p.m.: Always use lowercase letters and periods.
  • president emeritus: Lawrence Biondi, S.J., became the president emeritus of Saint Louis University Sept. 1, 2013.
  • professor: Whenever possible, use as a job title after a name, not before. On first reference, include academic credential abbreviations after the name, before the title. If necessary to use before a name (as in a direct quote), capitalize. Do not use the honorific "Dr."
    • Note: Law professors (with J.D.s) are always referred to as "Professor So-and-so" not "Dr. So-and-so."
    • Capitalize only when using the full title directly before a name.
    • Examples:
      • John Claiborne, Ph.D., professor of linguistics
      • "Professor Claiborne taught the best class I ever took in college," Sally Jones said.
      • Professor of Linguistics John Claiborn, Ph.D.
  • Prospect Yards: A mixed-use urban social and business district adjacent to campus. It is bounded by Laclede Avenue to the north, Chouteau Avenue to the south, Compton Avenue to the east, and Vandeventer Avenue to the west. Developments within Prospect Yards include City Foundry STL, Top Golf, Element by Westin and Fresh Thyme Market. Prospect Yards is part of the St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment District.
Q
  • Q&A: Abbreviation for "questions and answers." Acceptable on first reference.
  • quad: The unofficial name of the mall roughly near Pius XII Memorial Library, the Griesedieck Complex and DuBourg Hall. Lowercase. Do not use in official descriptions or locators.
  • Queen's Daughters Hall: Note the use of the apostrophe.
R

  • Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning: Formerly the Reinert Center for Teaching Excellence.

  • Reinert Hall

  • Reis Biological Station: Located in the eastern Ozarks of Missouri, about 100 miles southwest of St. Louis, this facility is operated by the biology department.

  • Religioni et Bonis Artibus: The Latin phrase that appears in the University seal. It translates to "For Religion and the Liberal Arts." Always place in italics or quotes, never both.

  • religious orders: The use of the religious order's abbreviation following a name (like S.J.) is preferred to the use of a title such as Father, Sister, etc. Do not use both a title and the order's abbreviation. The Global Catholic Resource Center offers a list of common religious orders and their abbreviations.

  • Research Institute: Supports research in a variety of disciplines across the University, however, the institute does not oversee all research at SLU. Use Research Institute on first reference; the institute or RI on second reference.

     

  • Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business: Use full name on first reference. Chaifetz School of Business is acceptable on second reference. When using "business school," do not capitalize.

  • Ritter Hall

  • Robert May Hall: Formerly the West Locust Lofts.

  • Robert R. Hermann Stadium: Use full name on first reference. Hermann Stadium is acceptable on second reference. Part of the Billiken Sports Center.

  • room: Capitalized only if followed by a number or if part of a proper noun, e.g. Saint Louis Room, Room 39, etc.

  • ROTC Building

S
  • St. Louis Downtown Airport. Located in Cahokia, Illinois, home of SLU’s Center for Aviation Science.
  • Saint Louis Room: Not St. Louis Room. Room 300 in Busch Student Center.
  • Saint Louis University: The "Saint" in Saint Louis University is always spelled out, and the entire name of the University is always used on first reference. You may use "the University" (note the capital) or "SLU" on second reference. Do not use SLU-St. Louis as an abbreviation.
  • Saint Louis University-Madrid. Use SLU-Madrid on second reference.
  • Saint Louis University Museum of Art: Located in O'Donnell Hall. SLUMA is acceptable on second reference.
  • Salus Center
  • Samuel Cupples House
  • San Ignacio Hall: Building at SLU-Madrid. Not to be confused with Igancio Hall in St. Louis.
  • School for Professional Studies: Capitalized only when full name is used. Note the use of “for” in the name.
  • School of Education: Capitalize only when full name is used. Use full name on first reference.
  • School of Law: Capitalize only when full name is used. Use full name on first reference.

  • School of Medicine: Capitalize only when full name is used. Use full name on first reference.

  • School of Science and Engineering: Capitalize only when the school’s full name is used. Use full name on first reference.

  • School of Social Work: Capitalize only when the school’s full name is used. Use full name on first reference.

  • schools: For a current list of SLU’s schools, colleges and degree-granting centers, visit slu.edu/academics.

  • Schroeder Hall

  • Schwitalla Hall: The preferred name for one of the buildings housing the School of Medicine .

  • Scott Hall: Shortened name for Joe and Loretta Scott Hall. Acceptable on first reference. Home to the Saint Louis University School of Law.

  • Searls Hall

  • seasons: Lowercase winter, spring, summer and fall when describing a season of the year or a specific semester.

  • service-learning: Hyphenated in all cases.

  • SGA: Student Government Association. Use full name on first reference.

  • Shannon Hall

  • Simon Recreation Center: Use full name on first reference. Simon Rec or rec center is appropriate on second reference. Note that the Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness operates the Simon Rec and the Medical Center Stadium.

  • Sister: See religious orders.

  • S.J.: Abbreviation for the Society of Jesus. Place after the name of all Jesuit priests or brothers on first reference. Always use periods after the letters and always set off by commas. Do not use with "Father." See religious orders.

  • SLU: Acceptable abbreviation for Saint Louis University on second reference. Always spell out Saint Louis University on first reference.

  • SLUCare: The academic medical practice of SSM Health staffed by Saint Louis University School of Medicine physicians. "SLUCare" is printed as one word with no space.

  • SLU Ride: The name of the Saint Louis University service that provides free van transport to students, faculty and staff during evening hours.

  • SLUruba: Refers to the pool area just north of the Simon Recreation Center. Not an official name. Do not use with external audiences.

  • SLU Stars: Two words.

  • Society of Jesus: Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution, affiliated with the religious order known as the Jesuits or the Society of Jesus.

  • SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Affiliated with Saint Louis University, but owned and operated by SSM Health. Cardinal Glennon is acceptable on second reference.

  • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital: Affiliated with Saint Louis University, but owned and operated by SSM Health.

  • Staff Advisory Committee: Not "Council." SAC acceptable on second reference.

  • states: The names of the 50 U.S. states should be spelled out when used in the body of a story, whether standing alone or in conjunction with a city, town, village or military base. Place one comma between the city and the state name, and another comma after the state name, unless ending a sentence or indicating a dateline: He was traveling from Nashville, Tennessee, to Austin, Texas, en route to his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When using states as part of a mailing address, use postal abbreviations. The Associated Press Stylebook has a list of U.S. cities that do not require the state when mentioned.

  • St. Francis Xavier College Church: The formal name of the church is St. Francis Xavier Church. However insertion of the word "College" is acceptable. Use full name on first reference. College Church is acceptable on second reference.

  • St. Ignatius Loyola: Founder of the Society of Jesus.

  • St. Louis: Note the abbreviation St. Use this format for all references to the city, unless a particular organization uses the spelling Saint.

  • St. Louis Downtown Airport: Location of the School of Science and Engineering’s Center for Aviation Science and aircraft hangar.

  • St. Louis Literary Award: Presented annually by the Saint Louis University Division of Libraries and Museums.

  • St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation: A joint effort of SLU and SSM Health, responsible for overseeing all projects within a 400-acre area in Midtown. Do not use “353.”

  • streets: Use Associated Press style for streets in text; also see addresses. Streets surrounding the Saint Louis University campus include:

    • Caroline Mall: One of the main walkways at the medical school.

    • Carr Lane Avenue: Runs through South Campus. Note that the street is an avenue, not a lane.

    • Chouteau Avenue: Forms the northern border of the South Campus

    • Compton Avenue: Forms the eastern border of campus.

    • Forest Park Avenue: Runs parallel to the southern portion of North Campus. Ends just south of Chaifetz Arena, where it splits into Interstate 64 and Market Street.

    • Grand Boulevard: The main street that runs through campus.

    • Hickory Street: Runs through the medical school.

    • Interstate 44

    • Interstate 64 (Highway 40)

    • Laclede Avenue: Runs through the northern end of campus.=

    • Lafayette Avenue: On the southern end of South Campus.

    • Lindell Boulevard: Forms the northern border of campus; is called "Olive Street" just east of Grand Boulevard.

    • Olive Street: Forms the northern border of campus; called "Lindell Boulevard" just west of Grand Boulevard.

    • Rutger Street: Runs through South Campus.

    • Spring Avenue: Intersects campus as the north-south pedestrian walkway at the clock tower -- but is an accessible street on either side of the pedestrian mall.

    • Theresa Avenue: Runs through South Campus.

    • Vandeventer Avenue: Forms the western border of campus.

    • Vista Avenue: Runs through the Medical Center.

    • West Pine Mall: One of the main walkways on the northern end of campus.

  • Student Government Association: SGA is acceptable on second reference.
  • Student Village Apartments: These include Anderson Hal, Brown Hall, Chan Hall, Donnelly Hall, Eagleton Hall, Fox-Clark Hall, Gunn Hall and Huh Hall.

 

T
  • Taylor Geospatial Institute: TGI is a consortium of eight research institutions, led by Saint Louis University, that share their expertise and an array of critical research facilities to advance geospatial science.
  • Tegeler Hall
  • Theater: Use as the general term for a facility that shows performances or films. Only use theatre when part of a proper noun.
    • Example: Friends of Theatre and Dance; Bachelor of Arts in Theatre; “SLU is within walking distance to several theaters.”
  • time element: Information for events should be written in this order: time, date, place. When possible, use the day of the week for upcoming events.
    •  Example: The group will meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, in Room 111 of DuBourg Hall. Use noon and midnight instead of 12 a.m. or 12 p.m. See a.m. and p.m.
    • When an event occurs over a range of time, use either a hyphen or “to.” Both are acceptable, however, please be consistent within your own materials.
      • Example: Breakfast is served from 8-10 a.m., or The conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • titles: Whenever possible, include job titles after a name, not before, and lowercase.
    • If necessary to use before a name (as in a direct quote), capitalize.
    • Do not use courtesy or honorific titles (Dr., Mr., Ms., Mrs., etc.) except in obituaries.
    • See also academic credentials, composition titles and religious orders.
    •  Exceptions: Endowed or named titles, such as the Edward Jones Dean of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business.
  • Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing: Use full name on first reference.
    • Valentine School of Nursing is acceptable on second reference. When using "nursing school," do not capitalize.
  • Trustees: The Saint Louis University Board of Trustees is the principal governing authority for SLU. Capitalize on first reference, even when not preceded by the University’s name. Do not capitalize “the board” or “trustee” or “trustees.” On first reference to a trustee, the word should be capitalized only when preceding a name; e.g.: University Trustee Jane Doe.
U
  • undergraduate admission: No "s" at the end of admission.
  • Universitas: The alumni magazine of Saint Louis University. Always use the full name; never "UTAS." Always italicize.
  • Universitas Sancti Ludovici: The Latin name of Saint Louis University that appears on the University seal. Always place in italics or quotes, never both.
  • University: Always capitalized when it refers to Saint Louis University. Example: "The University's enrollment is up." Lowercase when it refers to the generic. Example: "She wants to attend a university." Note that the University's individual schools and colleges are not capitalized when referred to as "the school" or "the college." This capitalization exception applies to University only.
  • University Archives: SLU's historical collection of texts and photos is in Pius XII Memorial Library. For the defunct yearbook, see Archive.
  • University Leadership Council: A group responsible for reviewing and approving all University policies and providing input on other important University matters. The group includes senior administrators, academic deans, and the leaders of the Faculty Senate, Staff Advisory Committee and Student Government Association. ULC is acceptable on second reference.
  • The University News: The student newspaper. Always italicize.
  • U.S. Bank: Although there are no periods in the logo, note the periods in the name.
  • U.S. Bank Plaza: On the northeast corner of Grand and Lindell boulevards.
V
  • Verhaegen Hall
  • Village Apartments: Eight apartment-style residence halls: Anderson Hall, Brown Hall, Chan Hall, Donnelly Hall, Eagleton Hall, Fox-Clark Hall, Gunn Hall and C.S. Huh Hall.
  • Vincent C. Immel Law Library: Formerly Omer Poos Law Library.
  • Visual and Performing Arts: The name of SLU’s arts department, previously known as Fine and Performing Arts.
W
  • Walsh Hall: Part of the Griesedieck Complex.
  • WATER Institute: Stands for Water Access, Technology, Environment and Resources Institute. WATER Institute is acceptable on first reference and in headlines, but explain the acronym in any articles.
  • West Pine Mall: Formerly West Pine Boulevard. Use "Mall" instead of "Boulevard" as it pertains to the SLU campus.
  • Wool Center: Although the full name is Marvin and Harlene Wool Center, Wool Center is acceptable on first reference. Do not confuse with the Wool Ballrooms located in Busch Student Center.
  • Wuller Hall: Home of the Loyola Center for Campus Ministry.
X
  • Xavier Hall
  • Xavier Hall Annex: The separate building directly west of Xavier Hall on the West Pine Mall.
Y
  • Young Hall