Editorial Style
When writing letters, memos, flyers, reports, email, internet content, and other written materials for the college, please use the editorial guidelines below. See the complete Editorial Style Guide.
Voice and Tonality
When talking about Durham Tech to the outside world, it’s important to remember that the way we communicate is just as important as what we communicate. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use clear and concise language
- Use action words
- Avoid jargon and buzzwords
- Keep in mind the Durham Tech values: education, helpfulness, affordability, reinvention, resourcefulness, creativity, and empowerment.
- And the tagline: “Do great things.”
Imagery
Use “action” photos, student life, faculty and staff interaction, etc. — a picture of a meeting or spoken presentation unfortunately does not make for compelling content.
Photos should be well-composed, in focus, and colorful.
The Name of the College
In the first mention of the institution, use the entire name. Afterward, you may refer to the institution as Durham Tech or the College.
For external communications, only use Durham Tech as an abbreviation. DO NOT use “DTCC” when referring to the college, as that abbreviation stands for a number of terms that are not related to Durham Tech. Do not refer to Durham Tech as a school or as Tech.
Examples:
- Durham Technical Community College offers more than 100 credit program options. Students at the College are very satisfied with the range of program choices.
- Durham Tech has helped dreams become realities for students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations.
Departments, Offices, and Divisions
Capitalize all words except for and in the name of a division or department, including the word Division or Department.
Use the most recent Staffing Chart as your guide.
Names, Titles, and Degrees
Capitalize a professional title before and after a person’s name. If used in a standalone bullet, capitalize the title.
When referring to academic degrees in a general way, do not capitalize. When using formal names of academic degrees, do capitalize the title but not the specialty. However, doctorate is preferred over the full title when used in text.
Do not capitalize program following a program title.