Editorial Guidelines

Consistent language strengthens recognition and trust. These editorial guidelines ensure that every written reference to William & Mary — from the university name to building titles and program references — reflects a unified voice. Following these conventions preserves clarity, reinforces brand integrity and maintains the professionalism expected of the university’s communications.

When referencing William & Mary

Acceptable Use

• William & Mary: required first reference in communications (no “College of,” uses the ampersand instead of “and”)
• the university: preferred second reference. University is not capitalized
• W&M: use as second reference and can alternate with William & Mary
• College of William & Mary: formal reference reserved for official Charter Day and Commencement event publications and certain presidential-level communications
• College: acceptable as a second reference only in communications to classes who graduated 50 years ago or more from members of their class
• The College of William and Mary in Virginia: most formal title, used only in the Charter and on diplomas

Do Not Use

• WM
• William and Mary
• College of William and Mary
• The College of William and Mary
• The College of William & Mary
• The College

Additional Guidelines

Class year: Include a student’s or alumnus’ class year after his or her name on first reference.

• Examples: Jon Stewart ’84 or Ginger Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ’06

College of Arts & Sciences

Capitalize with the ampersand when referring to the group of academic units (formally known as the Faculty of Arts & Sciences). “A&S” is acceptable on second reference.

Crim Dell: Refers to the pond and surrounding area, not the bridge itself. Do not use the definitive article.

• Examples: Crim Dell, not the Crim Dell, but the Crim Dell bridge (note lower case.)

Historic Campus

Refers to the section of campus that includes the Wren Building, President’s House and Brafferton. Some refer to this area as Ancient Campus, but Historic Campus is preferred.

Public Ivy

Capitalized and in quotes on first reference (“Public Ivy”); lowercase, not in quotes on second references (public ivy).

Raymond A. Mason School of Business

• Use the full name on first reference
• The “business school” or “school of business” are acceptable on second reference
• Do not use Mason School
• Housed in Alan B. Miller Hall (or Miller Hall on second reference)

Sunken Garden

Never plural.

William & Mary Athletics

• “W&M Athletics” is acceptable on second reference

William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS

• Use the full name if only one reference
• When multiple references:
  • Use William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS on first reference
  • Use the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS on second reference
  • Use the Batten School & VIMS on subsequent references
• Exceptions:
  • When referencing where a degree is earned, reference only the Batten School
  • When referencing a service, etc. that pertains only to VIMS the state agency, reference only VIMS

William & Mary Law School

• Not “the” William & Mary Law School
• The “law school” is acceptable on second reference
• Avoid using Marshall-Wythe School of Law except in formal documents

William & Mary School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

• The “school of computing, data sciences & physics” is acceptable on second reference

William & Mary School of Education

• The “school of education” is acceptable on second reference

William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science

• VIMS is acceptable on second reference

Wren Building

Appropriate first-reference form used for all but the most formal references to the Sir Christopher Wren Building. The Wren is the oldest college building still standing in the United States.