Â鶹Æƽâ°æ

Consistent language strengthens recognition and trust. These editorial guidelines ensure that every written reference to Â鶹Æƽâ°æ — 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 Â鶹Æƽâ°æ

Acceptable Use

• Â鶹Æƽâ°æ: 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 Â鶹Æƽâ°æ
• College of Â鶹Æƽâ°æ: 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 Â鶹Æƽâ°æ
• 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.

Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Athletics

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

Â鶹Æƽâ°æ’s VIMS & Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences

In general, consider the primary purpose of the communication.

• If primarily about education, students, student-led research or academic programs:
  • Use "W&M’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences" on first reference
  • Use "the Batten School" or "Batten School" on second reference
  • Mention Virginia Institute of Marine Science in subsequent references, where appropriate, particularly when discussing where research was conducted
• If primarily about research or advisory service:
  • Use "W&M’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science" on first reference
  • Use "VIMS" on second reference
  • Mention the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences in subsequent references, where appropriate, particularly when discussing faculty contributions, student participation or educational impacts
• Use the full name if only one reference

Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Law School

• Not “the” Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Law School
• The “law school” is acceptable on second reference
• Avoid using Marshall-Wythe School of Law except in formal documents

Â鶹Æƽâ°æ School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

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

Â鶹Æƽâ°æ School of Education

• The “school of education” 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.