Office of Communications and Marketing

Saint Peter’s University-Specific

General Rules

Saint Peter’s University

  • Always capitalize and spell out the word Saint when referring to the University.
  • Write out Saint Peter’s University on first reference in narrative text.
  • You can substitute the University (always capitalized) in subsequent references.
  • Avoid usage of the abbreviation SPU.

    Board of Trustees
    Capitalize when referring to Saint Peter’s Board of Trustees, and lowercase all other uses (e.g., Thomas Johnson is the chairman of the Board of Trustees. Thomas Johnson is a trustee of the University.).

    Capitalization of the word “university”

    See “Addresses and Places, Around Campus.”

    student-athlete
    Always use a hyphen.

    Jesuit and Religious Terminology
    Words in foreign languages should generally be italicized.

    A.M.D.G.
    Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam is Latin for the motto of the Society of Jesus; translated it means “For the greater glory of God.”

    Cura personalis
    Translated from Latin to English, this fundamental principle of the Society of Jesus means to “care of the whole person.”  It involves three concepts:

    1. Treating people as individuals and honoring their unique worth;
    2. Caring for the “whole” person (including physical, emotional, intellectual,  and spiritual health);
    3. Taking into account people’s backgrounds, including their family, nationality, and culture.

    Religious Titles (e.g., Reverend, Father)
    See “Academic Degrees, Personal Titles, and Class Years, Designations.”