Definitions
An abbreviation is a shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase used to represent the whole.
Examples: SPA, CCD, NCAA
An acronym is an abbreviation that is read as a word.
Examples: SMART Registration System, CAM, NASA
General Rules
Use abbreviations and acronyms in moderation.
When using uncommon abbreviations or acronyms (ones that people outside of your field of study, school or department will not recognize) define them on first use—spell out the abbreviation or acronym followed by the abbreviation or acronym in parenthesis.
Example: The College of Arts and Media (CAM) is sponsoring an art exhibit at the museum next month. Exhibits hosted by CAM are free to all students.
NOTE: If the abbreviation or acronym is not used after the first mention, do not abbreviate it.
Common-knowledge abbreviations and acronyms do not need to be defined on first use.
Examples: GPA, GMAT, ACT, SAT
Use of Articles (a, an, the) with Acronyms and Abbreviations
Use the article that you would use when speaking.
Examples: an MA degree, a PhD degree
In general, if the acronym or abbreviation is used as a noun, no article is necessary.
Example: The theater production is sponsored by CAM and CLAS (not the CAM and the CLAS).
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Degrees
Do not include periods when abbreviating academic degrees: BA, BFA, MA, PhD, MD, etc.
Abbreviated Courtesy Titles
Use a period with abbreviated courtesy titles (Dr., Ms., Mr., Sen., Gov., etc).
When appropriate, it is preferred to use degrees instead of courtesy titles; degree names are more accurate. Do not use both.
Example: John Smith, DDS vs. Dr. John Smith (Dr. is a relatively general title); not Dr. John Smith, DDS
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State Abbreviations
Use the two-letter postal abbreviations only in mailing addresses.
Use Associated Press (AP) state abbreviations. The list of abbreviations is as follows:
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Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of
Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas |
Ala.
Alaska
Ark.
Ariz.
Calif.
Colo.
Conn.
Del.
D.C.
Fla.
Ga.
Hawaii
Idaho
Ill.
Ind.
Iowa
Kan. |
Kentucky Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina |
Ky.
La.
Maine
Md.
Mass.
Mich.
Minn.
Miss.
Mo.
Mont.
Neb.
Nev.
N.H.
N.J.
N.M.
N.Y.
N.C. |
North Dakota Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming |
N.D.
Ohio
Okla.
Ore.
Pa.
R.I.
S.C.
S.D.
Tenn.
Texas
Utah
Vt.
Va.
Wash.
W.Va.
Wis.
Wyo. |
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United States / United States of America
Use periods when abbreviating United States (U.S.).
Do not use periods when abbreviating United States of America (USA).
Only abbreviate United States when it is used as an adjective.
Example: U.S. history; history of the United States
Commonly Used UC Denver Acronyms and Abbreviations
AHEC: Auraria Higher Education Center
BUS: The Business School
CAM: College of Arts & Media
CAP: College of Architecture and Planning
CON: College of Nursing
CCD: Community College of Denver
CCHE: Colorado Commission on Higher Education
CLAS: College of Liberal Arts and Science
ENG: College of Engineering and Applied Science
ITS: Information Technology Services
LSC: Lawrence Street Center
MSCD: Metropolitan State College of Denver
NCA: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
OAA: Office of Academic Affairs
SEHD: School of Education & Human Development
SODM: School of Dental Medicine
SOM: School of Medicine
SOP: School of Pharmacy
SPA: School of Public Affairs
UCH: University of Colorado Hospital
UCCS: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
VCAF: Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance
VCASA: Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs
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Questions, comments or suggestions?