Rogers State University adheres to the Chicago Manual of Style for all print and electronic publications. The University conforms to the latest edition of the Associated Press Stylebook for all news releases and other information for the media.

  • Spell out the proper name Rogers State University on first reference, using RSU on all subsequent references in news releases and each story within a publication.
  • Spell out the proper name Oklahoma Military Academy on first reference, using OMA on all subsequent references in news releases and each story within a publication.
  • Lower-case position (job) titles in all news releases and publications unless title precedes name. This includes all academic, military, and religious titles. However, exceptions may be made in more formal publications (i.e. lists of donors, formal documents.)
  • Use upper-case U in University when referring to RSU.
  • When designating the graduation year of alumni, use the following style: Phil Goldfarb, ’75, or Emily Call, ’04.
  • In publications, use a comma after each item in a series. In a news release, do not use a common to separate the last two items in a series.
  • When referring to faculty or staff members who have earned a doctoral degree, use the title of Dr. before the name on first reference, followed by last name only on second reference unless a title is used before the name.
  • Academic degrees are presented lower-case in all communications in the following manner: master in business administration, bachelor of arts, associate in science. Informal references include master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or associate degree. All disciplines are presented lower-case, such as bachelor of science in business administration or associate in applied science in applied technology.
  • A single space should be place between each sentence (not two) in all text.
  • Raw text should be submitted to the Communications & Marketing office for publications and the web, without any formatting, in a MS Word document.
  • Composition titles, including books, plays, songs, films, lectures, and speeches, should be placed in quotes in news releases, according to AP style.
  • Composition titles, including books, plays, songs, films, lectures, and speeches, should be placed in italics in publications, according to the Chicago manual. NOTE: Style differs in news releases and publications.
  • Exceptions to all style guidelines may be made sparingly in advertising or promotional materials, with creative intent, at the discretion of the Communications & Marketing office. Approval of all variances is required by the RSUPR office.
  • Use alumni when identifying a group, alumnus when identifying a singular male and alumna when identifying a singular female.
  • When making a proper name ending in s possessive, do not add an s: i.e. Coach Dicus’, not Coach Dicus’s.
  • In athletic media communications and publications, do not use the term Lady Hillcats or Lady Cats. Hillcats, Cats, Softball Cats, Diamond Cats (baseball), etc. are acceptable.
  • Refer to the institution as Rogers State on first mention in news releases or other communications about sports events. The words university or college are understood in such releases, and are a commonly accepted practice within athletics.