Editorial Standards

Editorial standards refer to the structural and linguistic conventions that ensure consistency in grammar, punctuation, word usage, and institutional naming.

A consistent editorial style is essential to effective communication across UMass Amherst. Our editorial style guide provides campus communicators with best practices for clarity and consistency, along with UMass-specific terms and formatting rules.

Rules / Usage Guidelines

Ensure consistency to support credibility.

Prioritize readability and accessibility across all platforms.

Follow the Chicago Manual of Style.

For periodical copy or press releases, follow the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.

For spelling and definition guidance, use Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.

Internal Resources

UMass Amherst Editorial Style Guide UMass Amherst Editorial Style Guide The Editorial Style Guide for UMass Magazine: A guide for magazine contributors The Editorial Style Guide for UMass Magazine: A guide for magazine contributors

External Resources

Associated Press Stylebook Associated Press Stylebook American Psychological Association (APA) Style American Psychological Association (APA) Style The Chicago Manual of Style: Available on campus to all, or off-campus to UMass Amherst students, staff, and faculty with a UMass Amherst IT NetID (username) and password The Chicago Manual of Style: Available on campus to all, or off-campus to UMass Amherst students, staff, and faculty with a UMass Amherst IT NetID (username) and password Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual Oxford English Dictionary Oxford English Dictionary Accessible Social: A guide for making social media content accessible Accessible Social: A guide for making social media content accessible Diversity Style Guide Diversity Style Guide Disability Language Style Guide from the National Center on Disability and Journalism Disability Language Style Guide from the National Center on Disability and Journalism Stylebook on LGBTQ+ Terminology from NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Stylebook on LGBTQ+ Terminology from NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists GLAAD Media Reference Guide GLAAD Media Reference Guide The Conscious Style Guide: A comprehensive resource for learning more about the conversations behind terms, categories, and concepts The Conscious Style Guide: A comprehensive resource for learning more about the conversations behind terms, categories, and concepts

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