University Relations

Style Guide - Editorial Style Standards
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The commonly used name of the institution is the University of Maine. The following shortened versions of the name are acceptable and should be used consistently throughout written or printed materials:

• UMaine

• Maine

• Maine Black Bears

• Black Bears

Both men's and women's athletic teams are called the "Black Bears," "Maine Black Bears" or "Maine."

The term "Lady Black Bears" is not acceptable.

It is not appropriate to use the following, or similar, names or acronyms when referring to the university:

• UMO

• University of Maine at Orono

• UME

• U. of M.

• UM-Orono

• UMaine-Orono

• UMe

• U. of Maine

When identifying the location of UMaine in text, the preferred use has "Orono" preceding the University of Maine. For example: "...in Orono at the University of Maine." When using the word "university" by itself in the body of a sentence (but referring to UMaine), the word "university" should not be capitalized. Example: "It is well known that the university has a beautiful campus."

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE COLLEGE NAMES:

• College of Business, Public Policy, and Health

• College of Education and Human Development

• College of Engineering

• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

• College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture

• The Honors College

UMAINE DEPARTMENT NAMES

When referring to a specific university department (and not the university itself), use the full name of the university followed by the department or unit name, e.g., the University of Maine Department of English.

A more detailed editorial style guide is online at www.umaine.edu/editorial

DESCRIPTIVE TEXT

The following text may be used when a short description of the university is required:

The University of Maine is the state's land grant and sea grant institution. Located in Orono, it serves as the flagship university of the seven-member University of Maine System. UMaine is responsible for providing world-class undergraduate and graduate education, basic and applied research, and outreach services to extend UMaine’s expertise and resources statewide to the people of Maine.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT HYPERLINK

A non-discrimination statement is used on many publications. There are two forms which contain the proper non-discrimination language. They are available at the Equal Opportunity Office in North Stevens Hall or through their Web site, www.umaine.edu/eo/policy/
nondiscrimination.htm, or by calling 207-581-1226. Please consult with them if you have any questions about use of the statement.

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM REFERENCES

The University of Maine System name bears a close resemblance to that of the University of Maine. To avoid confusion, it is helpful to refer to the University of Maine as "UMaine" after the first reference to it. The system can be abbreviated as UMS, but must not be called the UMaine System. Similarly, references to the other institutions in the system must not include the abbreviation "UMaine."