The university follows BYU’s editorial style and the Chicago Manual of Style. To ensure consistency in university policies and procedures, the Integrity and Compliance Office (ICO) also publishes this policy style guide. Official BYU policies and procedures should follow these editorial styles, and any differences in style guides should be resolved by prioritizing the guides in this order of importance:

  • This university policy style guide
  • BYU’s editorial style
  • Chicago Manual of Style

Campus Unit Names

Refer to campus units by the name that appears on the campus unit’s website.

Definitions Section

If a policy contains a definitions section, adhere to the following guidelines.

  • Capitalize the defined terms in the definitions section and capitalize each defined term thereafter.
    • Example: Assistance Animal means an Emotional Support Animal or a Service Animal. . . . Residence Life implements an approved request for accommodation involving an Assistance Animal in on-campus housing. (See Animals on University Property Policy)
  • Do not capitalize defined terms prior to the definitions section.
    • Example: This policy also guides, as applicable, research misconduct allegation proceedings in non-government-funded projects. . . . Research Misconduct means Fabrication, Falsification, or Plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. (See Responsible Conduct of Research Policy)
  • Italicize defined terms when first listed in the definitions section.
    • Example: Consent means a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity and is determined by all the relevant facts and circumstances. (See Sexual Harassment Policy)
  • List definitions in alphabetical order.

Footnotes

Avoid using footnotes. It is appropriate to use a footnote to cite a source.

Legal Citations

Avoid using legal citations.

Lists

Vertical lists should be formatted according to the following:

  • Bulleted rather than numbered, unless emphasis is needed on the order of the items in the list.
  • Punctuated consistently throughout a policy.
  • Formatted consistently throughout a policy.
    • Use a .25 indent to bullet, .25 from the bullets to the words.
    • Format as directed by Chicago 6.141.

Numbered Sections

Avoid using numbered sections. If necessary, follow Chicago 1.63 (e.g., 1, 1.1, 1.2, . . . , 1.10; 2, 2.1, 2.2, etc.).

Numbers

Spell out numbers one through nine; use numerals for 10 and above.

Parenthetical Plural

Avoid using the parenthetical plural (e.g., classroom(s)).

References to Brigham Young University

On the first reference to the university, use its full name. Subsequent references should use “BYU” or “university,” unless emphasis is needed through use of the university’s full name.

  • Example: Brigham Young University strives to ensure equal access to educational programs and activities. Technology procured, developed, or used by BYU should provide substantially similar functionality. (See Web Accessibility Policy)

References to Sections Within a Policy or Other Policies

  • To reference a section within the same policy, use the following format: (See Procedures section)
  • To reference another policy, use the following format: (See Academic Freedom Policy)
  • To reference another policy and a section within that policy, use the following format: (See Academic Freedom Policy, Benefits of Institutional Freedom)
  • When referencing other policies, provide links each time the policy is referenced, not just for the first reference or the blue box reference.

References to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

On the first reference to the Church, use its full name (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Subsequent references should use “the Church of Jesus Christ.” “The Church” may be used sparingly if the full name or “the Church of Jesus Christ” has been used repeatedly.

Template

Use the ICO Policy Template for university policies. Apply template style to headings, etc.

Time Periods

For time periods shorter than 30 days, generally designate the time period in “business days.” For time periods of 30 days or longer, generally designate the time period in “calendar days.”

Titles

Use a lowercase title unless it precedes an individual’s name.

  • Example: university president
  • Example: President Reese
In titles that need them, use en dashes and spaces rather than hyphens or em dashes.
  • Example: associate academic vice president – faculty development