The University uses many acronyms. We have them for physical things, organizational units, projects, processes, and more. We try to avoid using acronyms as much as possible. Only use them if the word or phrase appears repeatedly on a page or the acronym is well-recognized (we have a very high bar for what is considered well-recognized). We want to avoid abbreviations that are overly technical and, therefore, not user-friendly.
Often our jargon is acronyms, but not always. For example:
- RAM (Random Access Memory)
- NIC (Network Interface Card)
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
The first time you use an acronym, spell it out and follow it with the acronym in parentheses.
- Examples:
- Access Request Form (ARF)
- Video Collaboration Storage and Hosting (VCSH)
When you need to use the term again, use the acronym. Do this consistently throughout your content.
You may begin a sentence with an acronym. It should be spelled out upon first mention on every page of a multiple-page draft.
Exceptions
Examples of well-recognized acronyms (i.e., acronyms that typically do not need to be spelled out):
- IT
- ID (internet ID)
- USB
- HIPAA
- URL
Additional Considerations for Comms
None
Additional Considerations for Knowledge
None
Additional Considerations for Website Content
None