HOW WE TALK ABOUT OURSELVES

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has many and diverse audiences. While it is most effective to communicate in slightly different ways depending on the audience segment, the way we talk about ourselves as a university should be consistent.

Approved designations for the campus are:

  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln* Please note, this must be used prior to or in conjunction with the following uses.
  2. Nebraska
  3. The university or Our university
  4. UNL (sparingly)

Unacceptable usage of campus reference:

  1. NU
  2. UN-L
  3. University of Nebraska at Lincoln

In written communication, the full name, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, should be spelled out when the university is first mentioned or cited. Thereafter, references can cite “the university” or “Nebraska.” “UNL” may be used (for example, when space is at a premium), but otherwise it is not preferred. Communicators should make efforts to explore other options before using “UNL.”

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is one of four institutions in the University of Nebraska system. Others include the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Brand Position

WE ARE NEBRASKA. We believe in the power of every person. We don't rest on our strengths - we stretch them. Sweat them. Combine them. Growing flexible, nimble and strong minds. That's how we do big things.

Brand Attributes

Determined. Respectful. Empowering. Nimble. Collaborative. Strong.

Brand Voice

Direct. Action-Oriented. Genuine. Confident. Hopeful. Engaging.

USE OF “HUSKER”

Our university has a special relationship with our state. Beyond the university’s land-grant commitment, we share a strong sense of community. We even share the word Husker as part of our identity. In a way uncommon at other public universities, a large number of students, faculty, and staff at our university identify as Huskers because they are part of the university community or because they live in Nebraska. In other words, being a Husker is an identity not limited to student-athletes. It is also claimed by students, faculty, staff and the state’s residents alike.

In written communication, using “Husker” to refer to students, faculty or staff members, or alumni reflects and builds upon our strong sense of community and our connection to the state.

Example:

“I’m a Husker &…”

EDITORIAL

Writers and editors who develop written material for a variety of outlets—magazines, brochures, Websites, ads, posters, and more—will benefit from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Style Guide, developed in 2006 as a comprehensive guide and tool to help university communicators present a unified, cohesive approach in the details of the written products we create. Accuracy in how we present information about the university, such as the proper and correct names of the student unions (Nebraska Union and Nebraska East Union), spellings, addresses, dates, and references to majors, colleges and programs helps build audience recognition, understanding and clarity.

In particular, please take note of this caveat regarding the use of "UNL." In written communication, the full name, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, should be spelled out when the university is first mentioned or cited. Thereafter, references should cite “the university” or “Nebraska.” “UNL” may be used (for example, when space is at a premium), but otherwise it is not preferred. Communicators should make efforts to explore other options before using “UNL.”

STYLE GUIDE

At go.unl.edu/styleguide , a searchable online database allows users to scroll alphabetically or search through topic listings that address correct spellings and guides for referring to unique university entities, such as colleges, buildings, titles and more, and places emphasis on language that encourages an inclusive atmosphere.

The style guide is based on the standard for news media, the Associated Press Stylebook, (the so-called "Journalists’ Bible"), which is used by most mainstream U.S. and some international media, primarily newspapers and magazines, because of its emphasis on readability and consistency in spellings, grammar and punctuation. Because many of our works, copy or stories written about the university are eventually sent or placed with news media outlets as news releases, the AP style is a useful style for all to employ.

Because your written pieces may have other specific or special audiences that commonly read or write in other styles, you may want to consider slight deviations from AP style in order to best communicate with your special audiences in specific outlets. The style references specific to the university should be followed consistently regardless of the audience.

Other writing and editorial styles that are often used in academic settings are the Chicago Manual of Style and American Psychological Association, however, these are meant for academic publishing and not for a general audience. It’s useful to first consider the audience when writing or presenting information, not only for style, but for tone, length, depth and choice of stories and messages.

The online style guide was developed by a campuswide committee of writers and editors and will be updated continually.