Q. Every institution for which I have worked seems to have a different practice relating to the capitalization of college or university when referring to the specific institution while dropping the proper name. I used to work for Cornell University’s admissions office. That office insisted on not capitalizing university when using the word without Cornell but still referring to CU specifically. For example,
Once I visited Cornell, there was no choice left for me to make. I fell in love with the university—the people were so friendly and helpful. It didn’t hurt that the campus was gorgeous either!
I had previously been told that one should capitalize university or college when referring to a specific institution. If Cornell’s practice is correct, could you please explain why?
A. Cornell’s practice strictly follows the recommendations set forth in The Chicago Manual of Style. Most institutions (including the University of Chicago itself) do not follow our rule, however. The purpose of a university’s literature about itself is to promote itself. Each university is, to itself, the only University in the entire world that matters. That’s fine. The recommendations in CMS are intended to promote objective analytical writing—a mission that’s not always convenient in promotional settings. I would suggest that universities (including ours) follow the example of Cornell—especially if they want to attract more prospective copyeditors.
From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Pamela ElbeTo: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 12:02 PMSubject: [MUSEUM-L] Grammar/capitalization question========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:I have a slightly off-topic question for everyone in museumland: When replacing the proper name of your museum with the phrase “the museum” (as in “the museum is wheelchair accessible”) do you capitalize the “m” in museum or not? Is there an absolute right or wrong, or is it just a style preference? I am of the thought that it is a style preference. We’ve generally capitalized the “m” but currently have a volunteer designing a new brochure for us and she that we shouldn’t capitalize the “m” because we’re “not the Vatican.” Anyone have any input/feelings on the matter?
In a related question, how many museums have style sheets or guides, and if you have one would you be willing to share it?
Thanks much in advance!
Pamela Elbe
Collections Manager and Archivist
National Museum of American Jewish Military History
1811 R St. NW, Washington DC 20009
p: 202.265.6280 x201
f: 202.462.3192
Don’t miss our exhibition, Reconnaissance and Recollection: Military and Civilian Photographs from World War II—the photographs of Sy Weinstein.
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