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Referring to the University, Colleges, and Schools

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

When referring to the university for the first time, use the full name. Note that the comma is required. In running text, set Knoxville off with a pair of commas (or other punctuation as the context dictates). Always include the as part of the university name. In running text (as opposed to headlines and other display text) the should be lowercase unless it begins a sentence.

Examples

  • The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship institution.
  • Welcome to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
  • He is an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

UT

On second and subsequent references to the university, use only UT.

Examples

  • UT offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees.
  • If you have questions about the event, contact the UT Office of News and Information.

Exceptions

  • The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is not required to refer to the university on first reference in major, well-branded university publications, such as magazines and annual reports. Simply using UT is acceptable.
  • Omit the second comma in the possessive: the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s brand standards.
  • Using only UT on second and subsequent references can often become cumbersome or repetitive for the reader. Using the university (always lowercase in running text) is acceptable to avoid repetition.
  • If required for clarity in contexts that include the UT System or other campuses, UT Knoxville is acceptable.

Unacceptable Treatments

University of Tennessee at Knoxville
University of Tennessee—Knoxville
UT, Knoxville
U.T.
UTK*

*Note that the abbreviation UTK is acceptable only in URLs and email addresses and must be lowercased. For example, www.utk.edu and johndoe@utk.edu are acceptable.

Colleges and Schools

Colleges

Herbert College of Agriculture*
College of Architecture and Design
College of Arts and Sciences
Haslam College of Business
     Long form: James A. Haslam II College of Business
College of Communication and Information
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies
Tickle College of Engineering
     Long form: John D. Tickle College of Engineering
College of Law
Natalie L. Haslam College of Music
     Note: Do not shorten to Haslam College of Music
College of Nursing
College of Social Work
College of Veterinary Medicine*

Notes

For second and later references, use the college (lowercase). Some colleges allow an abbreviated form: CCI, CEHHS, CECS, TCE, CVM

For named colleges, long-form names are acceptable in formal contexts. However, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music should be referred to in its entirety on the first reference no matter the context.

In settings where the relationship isn’t already clear, add the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s or UT’s before first reference to a named college.

Ensure clarity when buildings have the same name as the schools they house:

  • Haslam Business Building or James A. Haslam II Business Building (not Haslam College of Business Building)
  • Haslam Music Center or Natalie L. Haslam Music Center (not Natalie L. Haslam College of Music Center)
  • Tickle Engineering Building or John Tickle Engineering Building (not Tickle College of Engineering Building)

Do not use short forms of college names such as Herbert, Herbert College, Haslam, or Haslam College. Describe students with a general description like business students or UT students instead of the college name.

In display text for print applications, it is acceptable to use an ampersand and delete the preceding comma if there is one: College of Education, Health & Human Sciences. In digital settings, avoid ampersands for improved accessibility.

*In some settings, the Herbert College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine are governed by UTIA’s style guide: utiabrand.tennessee.edu/utia-editorial-guide

Named Schools

Bailey Graduate School of Education
Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs
     Long form: Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and
Public Affairs
Sometimes included with colleges as a degree-granting unit
Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations

Notes

Second and later reference: Baker School, Tombras School, the school (lowercase)

In settings where the relationship isn’t already clear, add the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s or UT’s before first reference.

The University of Tennessee System

References to the system follow the same basic principles: Use the University of Tennessee System on first reference in most settings, and the UT System and the system as you would use UT and the university.