Piedmont Virginia Community College
Branding and Style Manual
Revised January 2015
About PVCC’s Branding and Style Manual
P
iedmont Virginia Community College has promised to provide
opportunity, access and excellence in higher education to our
community. This promise is our brand, and it’s vital that we deliver on it
every day through our programs, services and the personal interactions that we
have with students and other clients who are important to us.
Another significant way in which we deliver on this promise is through the images
and written communications about the College that the public sees or hears.
Accuracy, consistency and clarity in these images and communications
demonstrate our commitment to excellence while strengthening our College
brand.
And that’s where this publication, the PVCC Branding and Style Manual, can
help. You’ll find guidelines in this manual about using our logo and writing about
the College which will help us to uphold and protect the integrity of PVCC’s
brand. I hope that you will find these guidelines to be helpful.
Frank Friedman
President
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WHAT IS THIS BRANDING AND STYLE MANUAL?
The Piedmont Virginia Community College Branding and Style Manual establishes standards
and guidelines for use by PVCC employees as we collectively aim to achieve accurate,
understandable and consistent visual and written presentations of PVCC to the public.
The manual is arranged into four sections:
Part 1 – Branding Guidelines for the PVCC Primary Brand
The first section of this manual is an overview of PVCC’s primary brand and focuses
on the appropriate and correct use of the College’s logo, tagline, College seal and
official College colors as they are used in print and electronic applications and in other
usages.
This section also includes information about branded templates for PVCC letterhead
and envelopes, memorandum sheet, fax cover sheet, etc.; branded templates for
posters, fliers and brochures; and how to brand your email signature and obtain
branded business cards.
Part 2 – Branding Guidelines for the Workforce Services Division Subbrand
Part 2 covers the use and guidelines for using the Workforce Services Division’s logo
and colors. This division is a sub-brand of PVCC’s primary brand because it offers
specialized services for the business community as well as workforce training.
Part 3 – Required Statements on Promotional Materials
Part 3 includes information and guidance for complying with U.S. Department of
Education regulations about required gainful employment and nondiscrimination
statements on print and electronic publications.
Part 4 – Writing Style Guidelines
This section provides style guidelines for writing that is used in communications
intended for the public, among them:
 PVCC’s Web site
 Promotional emails
 Brochures and booklets
 Fliers
 Posters
 Newsletters (printed and electronic)
 AxisTV postings
 Advertising
 Data entry of class information (where possible)
 News releases
 Writing for other media intended for marketing the College to various audiences
NOTE! The writing style guidelines in Part 4 are not intended for use in academic
classes, scholarly writing by faculty, etc.
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The style guidelines in this manual are based upon The Associated Press Stylebook (or AP
Stylebook), a long-held standard for media, public relations and marketing communications
writing, and upon the Webster’s New World College Dictionary which is the secondary source
to use when the AP Stylebook does not provide guidance.
Caution about Colors Printed in This Publication
This manual is printed in-house on a color copier and does not depict the precise College
logo colors (Pantone 287 and 208) or Workforce Services sub-brand colors (Pantone 287
and 356) that will be achieved with high-quality offset printing. Colors shown in this manual
are for demonstration purposes only and should not be considered an exact match.
To achieve exact color matching, always proof the logo colors against the Pantone Color
Formula Guide available from a printer, designer or the Office of Marketing and Media
Relations. When printing in-house, strive to match the colors as closely as possible.
Questions, Suggestions, Additions to This Manual
The Office of Marketing and Media Relations has overall responsibility for branding and
marketing communications and can assist if you have questions or suggestions about
applying the guidelines for logo use and writing style. The office is located in room M206 in
the Main Building. You may also email [email protected] or call 434.961.6574 or
434.961.5202.
PART 1 – BRANDING GUIDELINES
What is PVCC’s Brand?
It’s not just our logo!
PVCC’s brand is a formal promise, our pledge, to deliver opportunity, access and excellence
to our stakeholders – the students, businesses and communities that we serve in the City of
Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and
Nelson.
PVCC’s brand is our compass, and it supports the College’s mission and strategic plan. The
quality and effectiveness of our work, the underlying processes and systems within the
College, the messages we convey to key audiences verbally and in writing and the image we
project all support the PVCC brand.
The logo symbolizes our brand, and the words “opportunity”, “access” and “excellence” in the
tagline of the logo are words that embody our brand. On subsequent pages of this manual
you’ll find specific examples of what those words mean.
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What is Branding?
Branding is the process of strategically weaving PVCC’s promise throughout the College – all
of our services and programs, our actions and words and the marketing communication
initiatives that convey the PVCC story to our stakeholder audiences.
Why is PVCC’s Brand Important?
PVCC’s brand…
 Lends cohesiveness to imaging and messaging that reaffirms the strengths and value of
the College’s services and programs
 Fosters understanding and helps prevent confusion that can result from a variety of
messages and visual presentations of the College
 Builds credibility, trust, loyalty and pride
 Generates positive impressions and feelings
 Is foundational to successful, integrated marketing
 Is unifying for an organization
When the brand is protected, championed and utilized effectively, it can help to…
 Increase enrollment to help aspiring students fulfill their educational and career dreams
 Increase utilization by employers of PVCC’s business-related services and programs
 Aid in generating more donations to PVCC in order to offer more services and programs
to our stakeholders
Why and How Was PVCC’s Brand Established?
Since it opened in 1972 as part of the Virginia Community College System, PVCC has had a
lasting impact on its service region. Over the years, the College has earned the respect and
admiration of many citizens and businesses, along the way developing an image and
perception of fulfilling its mission and successfully educating thousands of individuals.
The timing for formalizing the PVCC brand was opportune in late 2006. It was one year
before the College’s 35th anniversary and one year after some tremendous, high-profile
accomplishments at the College – the receipt of grants totaling more than $4.5 million,
announcement of plans for a new science building, record enrollment and the introduction of
new programs. A unified, cohesive brand was deemed integral to the College’s future growth
and desired direction.
In early November 2006, an assessment was made of all the various presentations of the
College as represented by its then Web site, numerous publications, advertising, signage and
messaging.
The College’s administration then engaged in several strategic exercises in which it…
 Reviewed national research about the perception of community colleges and what
messages and words resonated with public audiences
 Examined PVCC’s own research regarding the perception that our stakeholder
audiences – students, businesses and our community – have about the College
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Identified what makes PVCC unique
Determined the desired perceptions of the College
Reviewed the brands represented by taglines that were currently in use by other
Virginia community colleges, other colleges and universities in Virginia and numerous
institutions of higher education in other states
Considered the numerous slogans that PVCC had used in the past for various
promotions and campaigns
Based upon the assessment and research, PVCC’s President’s Staff selected the tagline
Opportunity. Access. Excellence. to represent not only our promise to our stakeholders but
also to exemplify how the College desired to be perceived by the public. After selection of the
tagline, a new logo and College colors to reflect the brand were rendered by a professional
design firm.
Brand Messaging
You are a Brand Ambassador!
Everyone who works at PVCC is a brand ambassador. We are all champions of the brand
through our interactions (verbal, electronic, etc.) on and off campus with the College’s
stakeholder audiences and in our efforts to achieve excellence in our work at the College.
Key Branding Messages
Here are some key messages that reflect the PVCC brand and which can be conveyed
whenever opportunities arise to share the PVCC story, verbally or in writing, with our
stakeholders.
PVCC Opportunity
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A variety of associate degree programs, certificates, career studies certificates and
individual classes
Transfer degrees that permit students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s
degree, and transfer agreements with every four-year Virginia university and college that
permit PVCC graduates with transfer degrees to continue their bachelor’s degree studies
Personal enrichment courses for the sheer fun of learning
Business services such as strategic planning, customized training and job assessment to
help regional employers to succeed
A full season of fine arts and performance programming to enrich the lives of individuals in
our service region
PVCC Access
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Our open enrollment policy. All students with a high school diploma or GED are admitted
to PVCC. Students without a high-school diploma or GED can take placement tests to
enroll at PVCC.
Affordable tuition. PVCC tuition is approximately one-third that of four-year public
institutions in Virginia.
Financial aid opportunities with grants, direct loans, scholarships and work-study
Enrollment part time or full time
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Classes that fit lifestyles. Among the options are day and evening ne classes; Web-based;
onsite at PVCC; off-site at various locations throughout our service region; hybrid classes
that combine online and classroom work, etc.
Developmental programs to prepare new students for college-level work
Two off-campus locations that offer classes – the PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center in
Greene County and the PVCC Jefferson School Center in downtown Charlottesville.
PVCC Excellence
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A PVCC student has been named the top Virginia community college student for six of the
13 years since this national competition has been sponsored by the USA TODAY
newspaper, American Association of Community Colleges, Phi Theta Kappa and the
Coca Cola Foundation.
Of the six PVCC students who were named the best community college student in
Virginia, three were also among the top 20 community college students in the United
States.
PVCC has one of the highest rates of faculty with doctorate degrees in the Virginia
Community College System.
Thousands of PVCC students have successfully transferred to four-year colleges and
universities or entered the workforce after completing their education at PVCC.
PVCC has a student Honors Program and a chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international
honor society for two-year colleges.
Many PVCC faculty, staff and students have earned state, regional and national
recognition, e.g., a PVCC faculty member was named the top community college teacher
in Virginia in 2010.
How to Use the Logo for Branding
PVCC’s logo visually represents the College brand and promotes immediate identification.
NEVER copy the logo from the PVCC Web site or a PDF document or Word
document and paste it into a printed publication! The quality of the logo will be
seriously compromised and pixilated or out of focus. Please contact the Office of
Marketing and Media Relations for an original file of the logo if you need to use it in a
printed publication.
Example of Vertical Logo
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Example of Horizontal Logo
Parts of Logo + Tagline
The logo consists of a swoosh, the acronym and the College name. The acronym PVCC
together with the swoosh above it is called the symbol. The full name of the College beneath
the symbol is the logotype. Opportunity. Access. Excellence. is our tagline that conveys our
brand promise of what the College intends to deliver to its stakeholder audiences.
The Logo Symbol
The acronym PVCC and the swoosh above it comprise the logo symbol. Always use the
swoosh, the acronym and the full name of the College together. The type font used in the
acronym is Futura Bold Oblique to depict strength and the forward momentum and progress
of the College. (Oblique means italic.) The swoosh represents the adage that “the sky is the
limit”. It also depicts the picturesque, mountainous region in which the College is located and
the College’s scenic campus which is situated on a rolling hillside in Albemarle County.
The Logotype
The full name of the College is the logotype. It is set in all capital letters in Futura Oblique to
emphasize strength and progress. Always use the full name of the College with the acronym
and the swoosh. A burgundy rule line always separates the College name when the tagline is
used with the vertical logo.
The College Tagline
Opportunity. Access. Excellence.
is our College tagline. The first letter of each word in the tagline is capitalized and all other
letters are lowercased. Always use a period after each word, and keep the words in the
sequence shown here. A burgundy rule line always separates the College name when the
vertical logo is used with the tagline.
To reinforce the PVCC brand, use of the tagline with the logo in all uses is strongly
encouraged; however, due to space limitations, this may not be possible. In those situations,
the logo may be used without the tagline. When the tagline is omitted from the vertical logo,
the rule line also must be omitted. (Also see Minimum Size, below.)
Logo and College Colors
The logo colors and the official College colors are Pantone 208 burgundy and Pantone 287
blue. When printing in full-color, the logo must be printed in these two colors. This manual if
printed in-house on a color copier does not depict the precise, true colors that are achieved
with high-quality offset printing.
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Required Clear Space Surrounding Logo
Do not place a box around the logo. Make sure the space surrounding the logo is equal to
one-half the width of the “P” in PVCC. (See the Logo Standards page in this manual for
guidance.) No other competitive design elements can be placed behind the logo or within the
required clear space surrounding the logo.
Logo Proportions
Do not stretch, compress, widen, lengthen or otherwise distort the logo in any way. The
PVCC logo is designed with specific height and width proportions to ensure proper balance
and presentation.
Minimum Size
For optimum readability, the logo with the tagline should not be smaller than 1.25” wide in
print or Web applications. Make sure the proportions of the logo remain constant. For small
specialty items with restricted imprint areas smaller than 1.25”, use the logo without the
tagline or contact the Office of Marketing and Media Relations for guidance.
Required Uses of Logo
Required Uses
Always use the PVCC logo on the cover (front preferred) of all formal printed and electronic
publications, such as the College catalog, annual report, brochures, fliers, newsletters, class
schedules, etc., on the PVCC Web site in accordance with the College’s Web Site Policy, in
promotional emails and in College advertising. Make sure the logo appears on exhibits,
banners, official College identification badges and other items that represent PVCC to the
public.
Using the tagline with the logo is strongly encouraged for all applications to reinforce the
PVCC brand. When space restrictions prohibit the use of the tagline, the logo may be used
without it.
Specialty Items
Use of the logo on College specialty items such as cups, T-shirts, hats, pens, notebooks,
etc., should be approved in advance by the Office of Marketing and Media Relations. Proofs
of the specialty items on which the logo is printed should be reviewed by the Office of
Marketing and Media Relations before full production is authorized.
Imprinted Items in PVCC Bookstore
The Office of Marketing and Media Relations collaborates with the PVCC Bookstore operated
by the Follett Higher Education Group about its inventory of specialty items imprinted with the
PVCC logo. If you have suggestions about desired items, please contact the Office of
Marketing and Media Relations.
Students & Student Organizations
Use of the PVCC logo by students or student organizations requires advance approval by the
Office of Marketing and Media Relations.
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Prohibited Uses of Logo
Copying the Logo from Other Sources
Never copy the PVCC logo from a Web page, or a PDF document or Word document
and paste it into another medium for printing. It will seriously compromise quality and
readability of the logo image. If you need a logo, contact the Office of Marketing and Media
Relations.
Personal Use Prohibited
The PVCC logo is for official College use only. It may not be used on personal printed
materials, personal Web or social media pages, emails or other communications not related
to PVCC, or on apparel or any other personal items.
Other Prohibited Uses
 Reshaping the proportions of the logo or distorting it in any way
 Cropping the logo or using only a portion, such as only a quarter or half of the logo
 Using the PVCC acronym without the swoosh above it
 Setting the logo at an angle or upside down
 Printing the logo on a busy background that detracts from readability
 Using colors for any parts of the logo other than the approved Pantone colors described in
this manual
 Superimposing type or images over or on the logo
Where to Get the Original Logo Files
Contact the Office of Marketing and Media Relations to obtain an original logo file formatted
specifically for either print or electronic use. Never copy the PVCC logo from a Web page, or
a .pdf document or Word document and paste it into another medium for printing because
this will compromise quality and readability.
Additional Guidance on Use of PVCC’s Logo
For additional assistance regarding the PVCC logo, please visit the Office of Marketing and
Media Relations located in room M206 in PVCC’s Main Building, email [email protected]
or call 434.961.6574 or 434.961.5202.
Branded Letterhead, Business Cards, Email Signature and Other Tools
Letterhead, Envelopes, Memorandum, Fax Cover Sheet, Shipping Labels
Microsoft Word templates in both color and black-and-white versions are available for
letterhead, internal memo, fax cover sheet and shipping labels for official PVCC business.
The templates are available through the administrative assistants in division offices.
Envelopes
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Number 10 business-size envelopes imprinted with the PVCC logo are available through the
Building and Grounds Office which oversees an inventory of supplies. Contact the
administrative assistant in your division office to obtain envelopes.
Business Cards
PVCC business cards imprinted with the logo are printed under a State of Virginia contract
and ordered through PVCC’s Business Office. Contact your supervisor to request them.
President’s Stationery
The letterhead, envelopes and business card used by PVCC’s president will retain the
College seal.
Branded Email Signature
PVCC employees are encouraged to include the official branded email signature on their
College-related emails to help brand PVCC to internal and external audiences. Instructions
for creating a branded email signature can be found on PVCC’s Intranet (iNet). Visit
www.pvcc.edu/signature for these instructions. You will have to log in with your user name
and password to access the instructions. If you encounter any problems, contact the IT Help
Desk at [email protected].
Branded Posters, Fliers and Brochures
Templates for creating these items are created in Microsoft Publisher software. Division
deans were provided with CDs of the templates. Please submit items for review to the Office
of Marketing and Media Relations prior to printing to ensure compliance with the branding
guidelines. If you have questions, contact the Office of Marketing and Media Relations.
Branded Publication Review Process
To help ensure messaging consistency and compliance with regulations regarding
nondiscrimination and gainful employment statements, and to preserve the integrity of
PVCC’s brand, please forward any proposed electronic or printed publications, PowerPoint
presentations, videos or advertising intended for the public to the Office of Marketing and
Media Relations for review. The Office aims to review submissions within two business days.
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PVCC – Piedmont Virginia Community College Logo Standards
Fonts:
PVCC: Futura Bold Oblique
College Name: Futura Book Oblique
Tagline: Futura Oblique
2-Color Printing (Spot):
Pantone® 208 (burgundy)
Pantone® 287 (blue)
4-Color Process Printing (CMYK):
Build to match:
Pantone® 208
C:0, M:100, Y:36, K:37
Pantone® 287
C:100, M:68, Y:0, K:12
(2-Color – Pantone 208 and Pantone 287)
(2-Color – Pantone 208 and Pantone 287)
Rule must always print 208 in 2 color with tagline.
PVCC Logo Usage
2-Color / White Background
1-Color PMS 287 / White Background
1-Color PMS 208 / White Background
Reverse / Dark Color Background
1-Color PMS 287 / Mid-tone Background
Reverse + tagline / Black Background
PVCC Logo Sizing and Positioning
Center
Logo Colors
Pantone 287
11/ 4”
Logo should never be smaller than 11/4” wide.
Proportions must remain constant
Space bordering logo must be equal
to the 1/ 2 width of the bold P.
Space will change proportionally as
size of the logo changes.
Pantone 208
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2Col
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(
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PVCCLogoUsage
2Col
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1Col
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1Col
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Rever
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The PVCC Seal
The circular Piedmont Virginia Community College seal, below, is the official signature of
PVCC. Usage of the seal denotes that the material or item on which it is used has been
officially sanctioned by PVCC.
Approved Use of Seal
The seal is reserved for graduation and other official ceremonies, certificates, diplomas,
awards, nursing pins, building plaques, podium signs, the President’s letterhead and
watermarks on official College documents.
Prohibited Use of Seal
The seal is for official use only and may not be printed on personal items. Do not alter or crop
the design, delete portions of the seal or extract parts of it. Print the seal in one color. Do not
print anything beneath or on top of the seal. Keep the transparent parts transparent.
Where to Get the Seal
Obtain an original seal file formatted for print use from the Office of Marketing and Media
Relations.
Additional Guidance on Use of the PVCC Seal
For additional assistance regarding the PVCC seal, please visit the Office of Marketing and
Media Relations located in room M206 in PVCC’s Main Building, email [email protected]
or call 434.961.6574 or 434.961.5202.
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PART 2 – WORKFORCE SERVICES DIVISION SUBBRAND
Part 2 of PVCC’s Branding and Style Manual covers the use and guidelines for the Workforce
Services Division’s logo and colors. This Division at PVCC is a sub-brand of PVCC’s primary
brand because it offers specialized services for the business community as well as workforce
training.
See the next page of this manual for specific guidance on using the Workforce Services logo.
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PART 3 – REQUIRED STATEMENTS
Continuous Nondiscrimination Short Statement Always Required on
Publications, Web Site, Employment Ads, etc.
PVCC is required by the U.S. Department of Education to always include the approved
continuous nondiscrimination short statement on the following:
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Employment ads
College catalog
Faculty handbook
Student handbook
Class schedules (spring, summer)
Recruitment literature
Posters and fliers
Postcards
Booklets
Brochures
Alumni newsletters
Annual reports
Social media
Web site
Waiver granted for email marketing communications – In July 2013, the Virginia Community
College System (VCCS) granted a waiver for including the short statement in marketingrelated emails because some words in the statement flag the email as spam. VCCS oversees
compliance with the nondiscrimination statement regulation.
Approved Continuous Nondiscrimination Short Statement:
Piedmont Virginia Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing
educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. PVCC
does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, family medical history or
genetic information, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation,
race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, or any
other non-merit base factor. The College also prohibits sexual harassment including
sexual violence or misconduct. The following person has been designated to handle
inquiries regarding any of these policies: Human Resources Manager, 501 College
Dr., Main Building, Room M810, Charlottesville, VA 22902; 434.961.6567.
Annual Nondiscrimination Long Statement Required in Printed and Digital
Fall Credit Class Schedule
The approved nondiscrimination long statement rather than the shorter statement must be
published once a year in PVCC’s fall credit class schedules. If no fall credit class schedule is
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published, the long statement must be placed as a classified or display ad in major local
newspapers in PVCC’s service region.
Approved Annual Nondiscrimination Long Statement:
Piedmont Virginia Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing
educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. PVCC
does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, family medical history or
genetic information, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation,
race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, or any
other non-merit base factor. The College also prohibits sexual harassment including
sexual violence or misconduct. PVCC offers programs in the following vocational
areas: business, construction, culinary arts, health care, police science and
technology. Some of the vocational programs offer admission based on selective
criteria through a separate application process that is nondiscriminatory. These
programs are: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Services, Nursing,
Practical Nursing, Radiography and Surgical Technology. The following person has
been designated to handle inquiries regarding any of these policies: Human
Resources Manager, 501 College Dr., Main Building, Room M810, Charlottesville, VA
22902; 434.961.6567.
Gainful Employment (GE) Statement Always Required on Publications, Web
Page, etc. for GE Programs of Study
The U.S. Department of Education requires that either a specific or a general gainful
employment (GE) statement must be included on publications and the Web pages for these
GE programs of study (list as of 1/2015):
1. Administrative Support - Career Studies Certificate
2. Building Trades I - Career Studies Certificate
3. Building Trades II - Career Studies Certificate
4. Central Services Processing - Career Studies Certificate
5. Computer & Network Support Technologies - Career Studies Certificate
6. Criminal Justice - Career Studies Certificate
7. Early Childhood Development - Infant and Toddler - Career Studies Certificate
8. Early Childhood Development - Preschool Career Studies Certificate
9. EMS - Intermediate - Career Studies Certificate
10. EMS - Paramedic - Career Studies Certificate
11. Entrepreneurship - Career Studies Certificate
12. Graphic Design - Career Studies Certificate
13. Health Information Management - Certificate
14. Nursing Assistant - Career Studies Certificate
15. Patient Admissions Coordinator - Career Studies Certificate
16. Practical Nursing - Certificate
17. Retail Management - Career Studies Certificate
18. Surgical Technology - Certificate
19. Web Technologies - Career Studies Certificate
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Approved Specific GE Statement for use on all publications that promote a specific GE
program of study:
For data about graduation rates, costs, the median debt of students who completed the
program and other important gainful employment information, please visit [insert the Web
address of the specific program of study, such as, www.pvcc.edu/EMS or
www.pvcc.edu/webtech. A list of shortened Web page addresses for programs of study
was provided to the Academic Division Deans and is also available from the Office of
Marketing and Media Relations.]
On the Web pages for each GE program of study, the words “Gainful Employment Disclosure
Form” must be used and hyperlinked to the Web page that presents the GE data about that
particular program.
Approved General GE Statement:
Visit www.pvcc.edu/gainful for PVCC graduation rates and other gainful employment
information about our programs of study.
Use the general GE statement noted above on:
 Class schedules
 Recruitment literature
 Postcards (small size)
 Posters
 Booklets
 Brochures
 Email marketing communications
 Social media
 Annual report
 Alumni newsletters
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PART 4 – STYLE GUIDELINES
This section provides writing style guidelines that apply to marketing communications which
are targeted to the public. These style guidelines are based upon The Associated Press
Stylebook (or AP Stylebook), a long-held standard for media, public relations and marketing
communications writing, and upon the Webster’s New World College Dictionary which is the
secondary source to use when the AP Stylebook does not provide guidance.
Use of the style guidelines applies to the following:
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PVCC’s Web site
Promotional emails
Brochures and booklets
Fliers
Posters
Newsletters (print and electronic)
AxisTV postings
Advertising
Data entry of class information (where possible)
News releases
Writing for other media intended for marketing the College to various audiences
Although not required, we encourage use of these style guidelines on College letters and
email communications to external audiences.
If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact the Office of Marketing and
Media Relations. See the last page of this publication for contact information.
Please note that the style guidelines on the following pages are
not intended for use in academic classes, scholarly writing, etc.
A
a.m. Lowercase with periods. Avoid :00 for times at the top of the hour; 10 a.m. not 10:00 a.m. Note
there is a space between the hour (or minutes) and a.m. Avoid the redundant 10 a.m. this morning.
Also see Time, Dates, and p.m. style guidelines.
adjectives (compound) Use hyphens between the words that form a compound adjective.
The stories received side-by-side display. [The words side by side are placed before a noun, making
them a compound adjective.] They walked side by side. [Note there are no hyphens.] PVCC offers
dual-enrollment classes.
Admissions & Advising Center Use an ampersand (&) between the words.
advisor Spell as advisor, not adviser
African-American Capitalize in all uses and hyphenate.
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alum The informal, plural use for alumnus/alumna/alumni or a group of unknown gender
alumna Formal, feminine singular. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a sentence.
alumnae Formal, feminine plural. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a sentence.
alumni Formal, masculine plural. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a sentence.
alumnus Formal, masculine singular. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a
sentence.
associate degree There is no apostrophe (possessive) in associate degree. John Jones has an
associate degree from Piedmont Virginia Community College. If mention of degrees is necessary, the
preferred style is to avoid abbreviation and instead use a phase as in the previous example. Also see
Degrees and certificates style.
B
bachelor's degree Use an apostrophe in bachelor's degree but there is no apostrophe in Bachelor of
Arts degree. A Bachelor of Science degree in business administration was awarded to John Jones,
but Mary Jones has a bachelor's degree in communications. If mention of degrees is necessary, the
preferred style is to avoid abbreviation and instead use a phase as in the previous examples.
Abbreviate as B.A. or B.S. (with periods) after a name if the preferred style is cumbersome. Also see
Degrees and certificates style.
Blackboard Capitalized and not hyphenated
blog Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a sentence.
Board of Directors When referring to the governing board of the PVCC Educational Foundation the
proper name is Piedmont Virginia Community College Board of Directors. May use PVCC Educational
Foundation Board of Directors or the board (lowercase) on second reference.
Bookstore Capitalized and not hyphenated when referring to PVCC's Bookstore
Business, Mathematics and Technologies The proper name is Business, Mathematics and
Technologies Division or Division of Business, Mathematics and Technologies. Note capitalization of
the word “Division”. May use “the division” (lowercase) on second reference.
C
class(es) Avoid using “course,” especially when communicating to high school or other prospective
students. The term “course” is mostly used in academic circles; however, PVCC and national
research indicates many high school students do not know that “course” also means “class.”
Capitalize specific class names but use lowercase when describing classes in general. Always
capitalize English class. I took Finite Mathematics and Survey of English Literature but I failed math
and I detest English classes.
College Capitalize when referring to PVCC on second reference as "the College."
College Board When referring to the advisory body of PVCC, the proper name is Piedmont Virginia
Community College Board. May use College Board or the board (lowercase) on second reference.
Commas PVCC does not use serial commas (comma before "and" and "or"): The summer term
includes classes in science, mathematics and chemistry.
clubs See the “Student clubs” entry.
D
Dates Always use Arabic figures, without st, nd, rd or th. Friday, July 21, 6-9 p.m. Also see style
guidelines for Time, months, a.m. and p.m.
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Days of the week Capitalize in all uses. Do not abbreviate. The information session will be held
Tuesday, April 3, at 7 p.m. in the Main Building Auditorium, Room M229.
Decades When used as a noun: The 1990s were a profitable time (no apostrophe). The '90s saw a
rise in enrollment (apostrophe). When used as a possessive: His term paper discusses the 1990s'
cultural changes.
Degrees and certificates Capitalize when used as a proper noun or adjective: PVCC offers
associate degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science and Liberal Arts, but Bill Jones was
awarded an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts. Also see styles for associate degree, bachelor’s
degree, master’s degree and doctorate degree.
Dickinson Building Proper name is V. Earl Dickinson Building for Humanities and Social Sciences.
May use V. Earl Dickinson Building on first reference and shorten to Dickinson Building (capitalized)
on second reference.
Division of Business, Mathematics and Technologies Proper name is Division of Business,
Mathematics and Technologies or Business, Mathematics and Technologies Division. Note
capitalization of the word “Division”. May use “the division” (lowercase) on second reference.
Division of Health and Life Sciences Proper name is Division of Health and Life Sciences or Health
and Life Sciences Division. Note capitalization of the word “Division”. May use “the division”
(lowercase) on second reference.
Division of Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences Proper name is Division of Humanities,
Fine Arts and Social Sciences or Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences Division. Note
capitalization of the word “Division”. May use “the division” (lowercase) on second reference.
Division of Workforce Services Proper name is Division of Workforce Services or Workforce
Services Division. Note capitalization of the word “Division”. May use “the division” (lowercase) on
second reference. Workforce Services without the word “Division” also is permissible for that division’s
unique marketing needs.
doctorate degree A Doctor of Engineering degree was awarded to John Jones. If mention of
degrees is necessary, the preferred style is to avoid abbreviation and instead use a phase as in the
previous examples. Abbreviate as B.A. or B.S. (with periods) after a name if the preferred style is
cumbersome. Also see Degrees and certificates style.
dual enrollment Not hyphenated when used as a noun; hyphenated when used as a compound
adjective: dual-enrollment student, dual-enrollment program, dual-enrollment instructor, etc. Do not
capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a sentence.
E
Eastern Shore When referring to the region, spell out as two words and capitalize.
email No hyphenation. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a sentence.
email addresses When referencing an email address, use all lowercase letters and no parentheses:
John's email address is [email protected].
EmplID Capitalize E and ID. Do not hyphenate.
Eugene Giuseppe Center See PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center
F
four-year college Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective: He plans to transfer to a four-year
college or university.
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full-time student Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective: Sarah Jones is full-time student at
PVCC, but I work full time (no hyphen) at a law firm. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first
word in a sentence.
H
Health and Life Sciences Division Proper name is Health and Life Sciences Division or Division of
Health and Life Sciences. Note capitalization of the word “Division”. May use “the division”
(lowercase) on second reference.
health care, health-care Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective. Ex.: health-care class,
health-care industry, health-care programs at PVCC. Do not hyphenate when used as a noun or
when listed alone in a list. Ex.: Health care in the U.S. is declining. The topic of health care will be
addressed today.
Help Desk Capitalized and not hyphenated when referring to PVCC's Help Desk
home page Two words. Not hyphenated. Do not capitalize home unless it appears as the first word in
a sentence.
Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences Division Proper name is Humanities, Fine Arts and
Social Sciences Division or Division of Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences. Note capitalization
of the word “Division”. May use “the division” (lowercase) on second reference.
hyphens on compound adjectives Use hyphens between words that form a compound adjective.
They walked side by side. [Note there are no hyphens.] The stories received side-by-side display.
[Note that side by side is placed before a noun, making this an adjective.] We have a highperformance team.
I
in-state student Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective: in-state student. Do not capitalize
unless it appears as the first word in a sentence. When used in a headline, note that both the “I” and
the “S” are capitalized: PVCC In-State Students Win Awards.
Internet Capitalize in all uses.
J
Jefferson School Center See PVCC Jefferson School Center
K
Keats Science Building While the formal name is the Theodore E. and Patt Hart Keats Science
Building, the common name is Keats Science Building. In most instances the common name is
acceptable to use; however, more formal documents may necessitate using the full name.
L
login, logon, logoff (n.) All of these are one word; however, use as two words, not hyphenated, in
verb form: I log in to my computer. Be sure to log off the system.
M
Main Building Capitalize both words when referring to PVCC's Main Building.
Main Stage Theatre Capitalize when referring to the Main Stage Theatre in the V. Earl Dickinson
Building. Note that Theatre is spelled with an “re”.
master's degree Use an apostrophe in master's degree but there is no apostrophe in Master of Arts
degree. A Master of Science degree in business administration was awarded to John Jones, but Mary
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Jones has a master's degree in communications. If mention of degrees is necessary, the preferred
style is to avoid abbreviation and instead use a phase as in the previous examples. Abbreviate as
M.A. or M.S. (with periods) after a name if the preferred style is cumbersome. Also see Degrees and
certificates style.
Maxwell Theatre (Black Box) Although “Black Box” is not part of the proper name, include it in
parentheses and capitalize both words when referring to the Maxwell Theatre in the V. Earl Dickinson
Building. Note that Theatre is spelled with an “re”.
midnight Avoid 12 midnight or 12 a.m.; midnight is sufficient. Do not capitalize unless it appears as
the first word in a sentence.
mid-quarter Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective: mid-quarter report
Months Capitalize in all uses. When a month is used with a specific date, abbreviate only Jan., Feb.,
Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. (Months not listed have no abbreviation.) Fall break is Oct. 8-9 this
year. Spell out when using alone or with a year alone: October 2012
MyPVCC No space between My and PVCC. Not hyphenated.
N
noncredit Not hyphenated. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a sentence.
noon Avoid 12 noon or 12 p.m.; noon is sufficient. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word
in a sentence.
Northern Neck When referring to the region, spell out as two words and capitalize.
Northern Virginia When referring to the region, spell out as Northern Virginia. Do not use
abbreviations Nova, NoVa or NOVA. Note that Northern Virginia Community College can be referred
to as NOVA on second reference.
Numbers Spell out whole numbers one through nine; use numerals for numbers 10 and above: She
has seven birds and 13 fish. Fractions standing alone are spelled out: About one-fourth of her salary
goes to pay her rent. For fractions with whole numbers, use numerals: Jeff bought 1½ tons of gravel
for his driveway.
O
online Not hyphenated. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a sentence.
out-of-state student Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective: PVCC’s out-of-state student
tuition differs from in-state student tuition.
P
p.m. Lowercase with periods. Avoid :00 for times at the top of the hour; 10 p.m. not 10:00 p.m. Note
there is a space between the hour or minutes and p.m. Avoid the redundant 10 p.m. tonight. Also see
style guidelines for Time, Dates, Months and a.m..
part-time student Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective: Sarah Smith is a part-time
student, but I work part time (no hyphen) at the bank.
phone numbers See entry for Telephone numbers.
Piedmont When referring to the region, spell out as one word and capitalize. Never use Piedmont
alone when referring to PVCC.
Piedmont Virginia Community College Our official name is Piedmont Virginia Community College.
Use the full College name on first reference, and abbreviate as PVCC or the College (capital "C") on
second reference. Never use Piedmont alone, or Piedmont College or Piedmont Virginia College.
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prefixes Words formed with prefixes such as non-, pre-, post-, un-, re-, co-, etc. are spelled without a
hyphen: prerequisite, reapply, noncredit, reapply, nonprofit. Words formed with prefixes that precede
a capitalized second element are hyphenated: post-First Quarter, un-American. Except for cooperate
and coordinate, use a hyphen if the prefix ends in a vowel and the word that follows begins with the
same vowel: pre-empt, pre-exist, pre-eminent.
PVCC alumni In College publications, the names of PVCC alumni are designated by their year of
graduation in parenthesis following their name: John Smith (Class of ’96), senior analyst with
Firestone, will speak to the students.
PVCC Catalog, PVCC Student Handbook, Names of PVCC publications should be set in italic font:
Fall 2015 Class Schedule, Student Handbook.
PVCC Chorus, PVCC Dance, PVCC Theatre Capitalize both words when referring to PVCC's
Chorus, Dance and Theatre programs.
PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center Proper name is PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center. May use Eugene
Giuseppe Center on second mention.
PVCC Jefferson School Center Proper name is PVCC Jefferson School Center. May use Jefferson
School Center on second mention.
R
Regions Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia (but southwestern Virginia), Tidewater, Southside,
Eastern Shore, Piedmont, Northern Neck
Room numbers at PVCC






Keats Science Building, place “K” before the number: K208
Main Building, place “M” before the number: M812
PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center, place “G” before the number: G100
PVCC Jefferson School Center, place “J” before the number: J136
Stultz Center for Business and Career Development, place an “S” before the number: S609
V. Earl Dickinson Building, place “D” before the number: D109
Her office is located in room M207 in the Main Building. His office is located in room K102 in the Keats
Science Building.
S
Seasons Lowercase spring, summer, fall or winter, as in spring semester, and derivatives such as
springtime unless the words are part of a formal name such as Fall 2018 Class Schedule, Spring
Awards Convocation, Fall Planning Week
Southside When referring to the region, spell out as one word and capitalize.
Southwest Virginia When referring to the region, spell out as Southwest Virginia (but southwestern
Virginia).
Spacing between sentences PVCC uses one (1) space between sentences, not two.
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Abbreviate as SCHEV after a first reference to State
Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
States Spell out the name of a state when it stands alone in a sentence: I went to Georgia on
vacation this year. Use Associated Press abbreviations when used with the name of a city in a
sentence: I went to Atlanta, Ga. on vacation this year.
The names of these eight states are never abbreviated in datelines or text: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho,
Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Utah.
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Here are state abbreviations for use in text:
Ala.
Ariz.
Ark.
Calif.
Colo.
Conn.
Del.
Fla.
Ga.
Ill.
Ind.
Kan.
Ky.
La.
Md.
Mass.
Mich.
Minn.
Miss.
Mo.
Mont.
Neb.
Nev.
N.H.
N.J.
N.M.
N.Y.
N.C.
N.D.
Okla.
Ore.
Pa.
R.I.
S.C.
S.D.
Tenn.
Vt.
Va.
Wash.
W.Va.
Wis.
Wyo.
Student clubs Capitalize the name of PVCC student clubs: Masquers Club, Student Art Club,
Student Dance Club
Student Information System Capitalize all three words in all uses. On first reference use Student
Information System; on second reference use the abbreviation SIS: The VCCS SIS will be updated
later this year.
Stultz Center for Business and Career Development Proper name is the Stultz Center for Business
and Career Development or PVCC’s Stultz Center for Business and Career Development or Piedmont
Virginia Community College’s Stultz Center for Business and Career Development. On second
reference, it may be called the Stultz Center. Although PVCC’s Workforce Services Division is housed
in the Stultz Center, it is incorrect to refer to the Stultz Center as PVCC’s Workforce Development
Center.
T
Technology Wing Capitalize both words when referring to PVCC's Technology Wing.
Telephone Numbers PVCC uses periods instead of hyphens after the area code and prefix of
telephone numbers: 434.961.5290. Do not place parentheses around the area code.
theater Use this spelling unless the proper name of the venue is spelled as Theatre, such as
Dickinson Main Stage Theatre, Maxwell Theatre and PVCC Theatre (academic program).
Tidewater When referring to the region, spell out as one word and capitalize.
Times Use numbers except for noon and midnight. Use a colon to separate hours from minutes
except for times at the top of the hour: PVCC’s College Hour is from 12:20 until 1:20 p.m. Use 10 a.m.
and not 10:00 a.m.: The event begins at 10 a.m. Note there is a space between the hour or minutes
and the a.m. or p.m. A range of time is to be separated by a hyphen: The event is Saturday, April 3,
from 6-9 p.m. Also see Dates, a.m. and p.m. style guidelines.
Titles Capitalize titles preceding a personal name. Lowercase titles following a personal name or
standing alone: President Frank Friedman, the president, the president of PVCC, the presidency.
two-year college Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective.
U
United States Spell out when used as a noun. Abbreviate with periods and without spaces (U.S.)
when used as an adjective: He came to the United States to get an education. Extension is part of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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University of Virginia Spell out the full name University of Virginia on the first reference, then
abbreviate as U.Va. on subsequent references. Exception: In class notes in PeopleSoft, U.Va. may be
used.
V
V. Earl Dickinson Building Proper name is V. Earl Dickinson Building for Humanities and Social
Sciences. May use V. Earl Dickinson Building or shorten to Dickinson Building (capitalized) on second
reference.
VCCS SIS Capitalize all letters. On first reference use Student Information System (SIS); on second
reference use VCCS SIS.
Virginia Community College System On first reference, use Virginia Community College System.
Abbreviate as VCCS or the system (lowercase) on second reference.
W
W. A. Pace Board Room Use caps on each word and on W. A. This room is located in room M814 in
the Technology Wing of the Main Building.
Web Capitalize: Web page, Web site, Web service, Web address, Web class. Note that all are two
words, no hyphen. See entries below for “webmaster” and “weblog”.
Web addresses When referencing a Web address, use all lowercase letters and no parentheses:
Logon to www.pvcc.edu.
Web site, Web page, Web service, Web class Capitalize Web. Two words, no hyphen.
Web Site Instructions When documenting instructions for using a Web site, use either quotation
marks or bold or italic font consistently throughout for specific actions: Click "Save", Select OK, From
the drop-down menu, choose Address Change.
weblog, webmaster Not hyphenated. Do not capitalize unless it appears as the first word in a
sentence.
Workforce Services Proper name is Division of Workforce Services or Workforce Services Division.
Note capitalization of the word “Division”. May use “the division” (lowercase) on second reference.
Workforce Services without the word “Division” also is permissible for that division’s unique marketing
needs.
work-study student Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective: We have a work-study student
in our office.
World Wide Web Capitalize all three words in all uses. Also, the Web.
Y
Years Use figures, without commas: He was born in 1975. Use commas only with a month and day:
Dec. 18, 1994, was a special day. Use an "s" without an apostrophe to indicate spans of decades or
centuries: the 1890s, the 1800s.
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STYLE NOTES
© Revised January 2015
Piedmont Virginia Community College, Office of Marketing and Media Relations
501 College Drive, Main Building, Room M206, Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.961.6574 or 434.961.5202
[email protected]
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