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Last updated: November 2022

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Style Guide is for use by Saskatchewan Polytechnic employees. Using these guidelines will ensure that Saskatchewan Polytechnic written communication is consistent throughout our organization and presented in a professional manner. This guide is an evolving document and we welcome suggestions for changes, updates, and/or additions.

If academic style is required, please use the APA style.

These publications are the foundation for Sask Polytech’s Style Guide:

The Communications and Marketing Department created and updates these guidelines. Please contact us with questions or additions at communications@saskpolytech.sk.ca.

Accreditation (listing of certificates, diplomas, etc.)

Format

Water Resources Engineering Technology diploma

bachelor’s degree, master’s degree; bachelor of arts, master of arts; bachelor of science

BA, MA, MBA, PhD

B.Sc., Dip.Tech., PhD, BA, BSN, MBA, BSW, Dip., Cert.

Rules

  • Use lowercase for words such as certificate, diploma and degree when preceded by the full name of the program.
  • Use lowercase for general references of credentials.
  • Use uppercase for credential abbreviations but only for commonly known terms.
  • Periods are used where abbreviations combine upper and lowercase unless the abbreviation begins and ends with a capital.

List credentials only from programs fully completed and graduated from; academic credentials that are pending should not be listed. Use the following guidelines:

  • Lowest credential first, e.g., Dip. (Civil), B.Sc., MA, PhD.
  • Professional designations:
    • List the designation in chronological order of achievement. e.g., RN, PhD; or B.Sc., M.Sc., P.Eng.
  • Diploma, certificate and journeyperson credentials:
    • List an abbreviated form of the credential. e.g., Dip. (Water Res.); Cert. (Electronics); Inter-Prov. Jny. (Ref. & A/C). If there is more than one diploma, certificate or journeyperson credential, list them as follows: Dip. (Water Res., Civil); Inter-Prov. Jny. (Welder, Carp.).
  • Certifications such as WHMIS or 1A Driver’s Licence:
    • Should not be listed.
  • Nursing credentials are separated from the person’s name (and from each other) with commas. There are usually no periods within the credentials (e.g., “BScN” not “B.Sc.N.”).

Acronyms

Format

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) credit assess what you know, no matter how you learned it. Read more to learn more about the PLAR process.

EMTs, PCBs 

CTV, CBC, RCMP

Rules

  • Always capitalize acronyms.
  • The expanded form should be used for a first reference followed immediately by the acronym in brackets. After that, the acronym alone can be used.
  • When an acronym is pluralized, the final “s” is lowercase.
  • Familiar and common abbreviations and acronyms can be used without the initial long form.
  • Program Operating Procedures (POP), Ministry of Advanced Education (AE) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic Administrative Offices (SPAO) are only to be used internally at Sask Polytech.

Ampersand

Format

The ampersand (&) is the symbol for “and.”

Rules

  • The ampersand should not be used in the content body or in formal writing.
  • The ampersand can be used in titles to save space on the web.

Boilerplate

The Sask Polytech boilerplate articulates preferred wording to describe who we are and what we do. It is commonly used in news releases, but it may be used for other purposes. For the most up-to-date boilerplate, check the Media and Press page.

Capitalization

Classes and courses

Format

I am registered for Psychology 101.

I am going to my psychology class.

Rules

  • Use uppercase only when naming a specific course title. Otherwise use lowercase.
Committees and councils

Format

the senior management council

Saskatchewan Polytechnic board of directors

Rules

  • In general reference these are not capitalized.
Compositions such as reports and guides

Format

Operating and Capital Plan

Your Future: The Sky's the Limit!

Rules

  • Use uppercase for the first letter of all principal words in the title. Principal words are nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs and the first and last words of the title, as well as prepositions and conjunctions of four letters or more.
  • In titles, capitalize the first word following a colon.
Credentials - certificates, diplomas and degrees

See the Accreditation section.

Department, division, office and school names

Format

Academic and Research Division

Communications and Marketing Department

Communications and marketing

Paula Jones, dean of Business

John is studying psychology and accounting. 

School of Business

Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Business

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Library

The Campus Store 

Rules

  • Words are capitalized only when they are part of the formal title. General references use lowercase.
  • Divisions, departments, programs and offices are capitalized when used in reference to the role of a specific person
  • Disciplines are not capitalized in general references.
  • The word "school" should be capitalized as it's an official component of the name. 
  • When possible, Saskatchewan Polytechnic should precede the school name.
  • Library locations are collectively described as singular.
Events

Format

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Business and Industry Dinners

Media is always welcome at Saskatchewan Polytechnic events such as open houses and business and industry dinners.

 

Rules

  • If an event has a proper name, capitalize first letters of all principal words.
  • If an event is part of a more general reference, then use lowercase.
Government offices or ministries and institutions

Format

Ministry of Finance

Saskatchewan Learning

Rules

  • Capitalize provincial and federal government bodies when part of the formal name.
Headings, sub-headings for minutes, agendas, lists.
 

Rules

  • Use uppercase for the first letter of the principal words.
Internet terms

Format

Internet, World Wide Web

the web

web page

website

email

online

Rules

  • Capitalize specific proper names.
  • General terms should be lowercase.
Names of organizations (Commercial, government, non-profit)

Format

Pronto Airlines

National Film Board of Canada

the Arthritis Society

Rules

  • Names of organizations are proper nouns and capitalized.
Program names

Format

Integrated Resource Management program

Centennial Summer Student Employment Program

Rules

The word "program" is not capitalized, unless it is part of an official name.

 

Proper nouns

Format

Elder

the Banff Centre

the Great Depression

Rules

  • A proper noun identifies a specific person, place or thing and begins with a capital letter. 
  • All other nouns are common nouns and should begin in lowercase.
Publications such as newspaper

Format

the Moose Jaw Times Herald

the Diabetes Association

the University of Regina

Rules

  • Lowercase “the” when it precedes names of newspapers, institutions, companies, associations, etc.
Salutations

Format

Dear Students and Staff

Rules

  • In written salutations, words such as faculty, staff and students are capitalized.
Titles for specific persons

Format

Mayor Wendy Thompson

President Michael Wong

Dean Nora O’Malley

Kevin Doherty, parks, culture and sport minister 

Elaine Howard will serve as acting dean until December.

The finance minister will make an announcement later today.

James Brown, mayor of Saskatoon

Jane Smith, president of Saskatchewan Polytechnic

the vice-president

Arnold Boldt, associate vice-president, Academic and Research Division

Sincerely, Frances Mills, Controller

Rules

  • Capitalize formal titles (those that could be used with the surname alone) that are used as part of proper names and when they directly precede the name of the individual. Note this exception: When a person has a very long title, put the title after the name and set it off with a comma in order to avoid “front-end loading” and too much capitalization.
  • A title set off from a name by commas is lowercased.
  • Do not capitalize occupations, professions or job titles used in general reference.
  • A title or role description by itself or following the name of an individual is not capitalized.
  • When the division is included in the title, leave the division capitalized.
  • Organizational roles are capitalized if they are part of an address/signature on a letter whether preceding or following the name.

Copyright

Find out more information about the Sask Polytech copyright office and policy.

Dates

Format

Tuesday, January 8, 2015

Renovations will be complete in August 2015. 

Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.

 the 1980s

spirit of ’76; throughout the ‘50s

 2017-18 

Rules

  • Wherever possible, in running text calendar dates should be written out in day-month-date-year format with elements separated by commas.
  • Spell out when the month stands alone or appears with a year.
  • For months used with a specific date, abbreviate only month names: Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. (spell out all others).
  • In tables and charts, day and month abbreviations can be used without the period.
  • Use lowercase “s” to pluralize decades.
  • For informal reference to a decade, use an apostrophe prior to the final two digits.
  • When writing multiple years, use the following format 2017-18 (not 2017-2018).
  • The academic year at Sask Polytech is July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next year.

Grammar and usage tips

  • "e.g." and "i.e."
    • e.g. means “for example” and should be followed by a comma.
    • i.e. means “that is” and should be followed by a comma.
  • ”Fewer” and “less”:
    • Use “fewer” to refer to objects that can be counted, e.g., There are fewer students using the cafeteria; I have fewer dollars than you do.
    • Use “less” when referring to general amounts or concepts that cannot be counted, e.g., She has less interest in coffee than I do; I have less money than you do.
  • "In regard to" and "regards"
    • Use “in regard to” not “regards.”
  • "More than" and "over"
    • Use of “more than” rather than “over”: “More than” is preferred with numerals, e.g., He made more than $100 in sales; More than 60 applicants responded to the ad.
    • “Over” is preferred with spatial relationships: She jumped over the hole.
  • "Than" and "then":
    • “Than” is used in comparisons when you are talking about a noun being more, less, etc. in relation to another noun: We have more books than magazines at the library.
    • “Then” is used to indicate time in a series of events: First the student enrolled, then she attended classes.
  • “That” and “which”:
    • Use “that” without commas to precede clauses essential to the meaning of sentences, e.g., I remember the day that I started working at InkHouse.
    • Use “which” and commas for non-essential (could be removed without affecting meaning) clauses: The company, which already has won many awards, is now developing a niche product.
  • “Titled” and “entitled”:
    • In referring to a named work, either “titled” or ”entitled” is acceptable, e.g., The book was entitled The Great Gatsby or The book was titled The Great Gatsby.
  • "Toward" and "towards"
    • Use “toward” not “towards.”
  • ”Who” and “whom”:
    • “Who” is the pronoun used for references to people (not to an institution or university), and it is generally the grammatical subject of sentences, clauses, or phrases, e.g., Who is coming to the party? The man who received the tickets was my friend.
    • “Whom” is used when someone is the object of a verb or preposition, e.g., With whom do you wish to speak? The girl to whom the car was given already owned a truck.

Hyperlinks

Format

Find out more about how to apply.

joe.smith@saskpolytech.ca

Rules

  • Do not use "click here".
  • Do not make titles hyperlinks.
  • When linking an email address, ensure the email address is in display using firstname.lastname@saskpolytech.ca
  • Avoid unnecessary external links as it directs the user away from saskpolytech.ca.

Indigenous

Glossary

Indigenous definitions in this glossary were informed by Indigenous information from: the Assembly of First Nations, Carleton University, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Government of Canada, Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, University of British Columbia and University of Victoria.

Indigenous belief statement
We indigenize by holistically integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching, and learning within all of the institutional practices, procedures and services we provide to students, staff and communities. This results in Indigenous people seeing themselves and their realities reflected throughout our institution. It also results in non-Indigenous people gaining the skills and knowledge that enable them to work with and live alongside their Indigenous neighbours knowledgeably and respectfully.
Indigenization declaration
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to the indigenization of our institution. We believe that indigenization is our social and collective responsibility and that it enriches and benefits all aspects of our institutional culture. 
Indigenous greeting for speeches

Tawow, háu/haŋ, anin, tanshi, and edlant’e. I would like to acknowledge that Saskatchewan Polytechnic is situated on Treaty 4 / 6 Territory and that we are gathered on the ancestral lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota and Nakoda peoples, and the traditional homeland of the Métis.

Notes for presenter:

  • Males say háu (pronounced how) and females say haŋ (pronounced haun)
  • Saulteaux is pronounced soto. 
Land acknowledgement
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories and the homeland of the Métis.
Pronunciations and definitions

Belong, with them, to be part of them

  • avik wiiyawow (Michif)
    • Pronunciation: ah-vick wee yah wow

Empower, to empower someone, to make someone capable of accomplishment

  • Wiyokihiya (Dakota)
    • Pronunciation: wee yoke key yah

Good relationships

  • miyo wâhkôhtowin
    • Pronunciation: mee yoh wah coo toe win

Men

  • Ininiwāk (Saulteaux or Nakawē)
    • Pronounced: in nin ee wuk
  • nâpêwak (Plains Cree)
    • Pronounced: nah pay wuk
  • Wįca (Nakota)
    • Pronounciation: wee cha
  • Wicaša (Dakota/Lakota)
    • Pronounciation: wee cha sha

Indigenous Students' Centres

  • ê-sihtoskâtoyahk ᐁᓯᐦᑐᐢᑲᑐᔭᐦᐠ (Cree)
    • Pronunciation: e see toe ska tie yahk  
    • Definition: Strengthening/supporting each other Indigenous Students' Centre (Saskatoon campus)
  • Kaykiyow Nassyoon Mamawapowuk Enn plass
    • Pronunciation: ka key ow,  nass yoon, ma ma wo po wuk, enn place
    • Definition: All Nations Gathering Place Indigenous Students’ Centre (Prince Albert campus)
  • Pēžik Tēwē-ihkan, Pēžik Mihtē-ihkan (Saulteaux)
    • Pronunciation: p/bay-shhick meh deh ig gaan,  p/bay-shhick deh way ih gaan
    • Definition: One Heart, One Drum Beat Indigenous Students' Centre (Regina campus)
  • pihtikewé – kihèw waciston (Cree)
    • Pronunciation: pee-ta-guay  ku-hay-you  watch i son
    • Definition: Eagle’s Nest Indigenous Students’ Centre (Moose Jaw campus)

Inspire, teach by example, teach by role modelling

  • Ki-kinomawo (Nakawe)
    • Pronunciation: ky kin oh mah woh

Knowledge container 

  • kiskēyihtamowin asiwacikan (Cree)
    • Pronunciation: kiss kay it a moo win,  a si wutch i kun
    • Definition: A collection of resources to help you along your journey towards Indigenization, reconciliation and decolonization. Learn more about kiskēyihtamowin asiwacikan (Sask Polytech login required) 

Thank you

  • hai, hai (Cree)
    • Pronunciation: hi hi
  • kinanâskomitin (Cree)
    • Pronunciation: kin na nask coo moe tin
  • Mahsi cho (Denesuline)
    • Pronunciation: mah see cho
  • Marsee (Michif)
    • Pronunciation: mar see
  • Miigwech (Nakawe)
    • Pronunciation: mee gwe tch
  • Pidamaya (Dakota)
    • Pronunciation: pee dah ma yah

Tomorrow in the making, looking forward to tomorrow

  • wāpa kih ôtēh nīkāhn (Cree)
    • Pronunciation: wah paw key ohtay nee kahn

Welcome

  • Anin sikwa (Nakawe)
    • Pronunciation: ah neen see qua
  • edlanet’e (Denesuline)
    • Pronunciation: it eawn ee tay
  • hau koda (Dakota)
    • Pronunciation: how koda
  • hau kola (Lakota)
    • Pronunciation: how cola
  • hau kona (Nakota)
    • Pronunciation: how ko na
  • tanshi (Michif)
    • Pronunciation: taun shee
  • tawâw (Cree)
    • Pronunciation: ta wow

Welcome, there is room for you, there is room for everyone

  • Nebah ho?á (Denesuline) 
    • Pronunciation: nib nah hoe awh

Women

  • Ihkwēwāk (Saulteaux or Nakawē)
    • Pronounced: ik way wuk
  • (Plains Cree)
    • Pronounced: isk way wuk
  • Winyaŋ (Dakota/Lakota)
    • Pronounced: wee yeah
  • Wįyą (Nakota)
    • Pronounced: wee yeah
Spelling 

Do not capitalize Cree words.

Elder (capitalized)
First Nations
Homeland of the Métis
indigenization (not capitalized)
Indigenous (capitalized)
non-Indigenous 
Métis (to insert the accent over the e, press CRTL + ‘ (apostrophe) then e) 
Storyteller or storytelling (one word)
Teepee
Treaty (capitalized) 
Treaty territories

Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses can be found on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and Saskatchewan is home to a total of six treaty territories. 

  • Moose Jaw: Treaty 4 territory and homeland of the Métis
  • Prince Albert: Treaty 6 territory and homeland of the Métis
  • Regina: Treaty 4 territory and homeland of the Métis
  • Saskatoon: Treaty 6 territory and homeland of the Métis

Lists

There are three types of lists.

1. Informal list.

Format

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, etc.

One hundred women joined the march.

 $2M  

3-4 p.m.

1,400 

Rules

  • Spell out numbers one to nine.
  • Use numerals for 10 and above.
  • Spell out all numbers beginning sentences.
  • It is acceptable to use M capitalized following a numeral to indicate million.
  • Use numerals instead of word for ranges.
  • Use a comma to separate numbers after 1,000.

2. Lists that combine to form one long sentence.

Format

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, etc.

One hundred women joined the march.

 $2M  

3-4 p.m.

1,400 

Rules

  • Spell out numbers one to nine.
  • Use numerals for 10 and above.
  • Spell out all numbers beginning sentences.
  • It is acceptable to use M capitalized following a numeral to indicate million.
  • Use numerals instead of word for ranges.
  • Use a comma to separate numbers after 1,000.

3. Lists of items that are each at least one independent sentence or that can be treated like a full sentence.

Format

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, etc.

One hundred women joined the march.

 $2M  

3-4 p.m.

1,400 

Rules

  • Spell out numbers one to nine.
  • Use numerals for 10 and above.
  • Spell out all numbers beginning sentences.
  • It is acceptable to use M capitalized following a numeral to indicate million.
  • Use numerals instead of word for ranges.
  • Use a comma to separate numbers after 1,000.

Numbers 

Format

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, etc.

One hundred women joined the march.

 $2M  

3-4 p.m.

1,400 

Rules

  • Spell out numbers one to nine.
  • Use numerals for 10 and above.
  • Spell out all numbers beginning sentences.
  • It is acceptable to use M capitalized following a numeral to indicate million.
  • Use numerals instead of word for ranges.
  • Use a comma to separate numbers after 1,000.

Official Saskatchewan Polytechnic names and addresses

Academic schools
Campus names

Format

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus

Saskatoon campus 

Rules

  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic is part of the official name of each campus. Correct format includes a comma between Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the campus name.
  • Capitalize the word campus when it is part of a proper name, e.g., Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus, vs. our Saskatoon campus.
  • To refer to all educational locations in a city collectively, use: Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw Campus; Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Prince Albert Campus; Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus; Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus.
  • When a campus is identified whether in text (i.e., in correspondence, titles of print materials, media releases, etc.) or verbally (telephone answering, media interviews, etc.), both Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the campus name must be used.

Refer to the campus page for official names and mailing addresses.

Departments
Divisions
Programs

Format

Addictions Counselling program

Early Childhood Education diploma program

 

Rules

  • Use program names as they appear on the website. (Here's the A to Z listing.)
  • Never capitalize the word "program" when used following an official program name.
  • Never capitalize the words “certificate” and “diploma” when it is not part of the official program name.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic full and legal name

Format

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Rules

  • The legal name refers to the institution’s name in full. It should be used when possible within the province and always used outside Saskatchewan.
  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic is always the first component of an official campus name.
  • Always use Saskatchewan Polytechnic in the first instance of an official reference, e.g., Saskatchewan Polytechnic Administrative Offices or Saskatchewan Polytechnic board of directors, is used in-text. Thereafter, the name can be omitted and simply Administrative Offices and board of directors may be used.
  • For all inquiries where legal proof is required to show the name change from SIAST to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, please provide the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Act in a pdf form.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic short version

Format

Sask Polytech

Rules

  • The Sask Polytech shortened version should only be used within Saskatchewan, where it is well-known and understood.
  • The abbreviation is Sask Polytech with a space. It is used without the space in the URL and in social media account names.

PDFs

  • All attachments for external distribution should be in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).
  • Convert PDFs to HTML (Web) format where possible instead of forcing the user to download a file.
  • PDFs must have a Sask Polytech logo and conform to design standards.

Format

Annual Report (pdf)

Rules

  • In digital format, inform the user of PDF links by including (pdf) at the end of the hyperlink.
  • Have the PDF open in a new window so the user does not lose navigation on the website.

Per cent, percentage, %

Format

per cent 

0.1% 

Rules

  • Use the per cent symbol (%) in research reports, scientific and statistical copy, lists, and copy that includes numerous percentage figures. In all other cases, spell out the word per cent. 
    • There is no space between the symbol and the number.
    • Use one format throughout the document.
    • When using the symbol with numbers less than one, put a zero before the decimal point.

Provinces

Format

AB - Alberta

BC - British Columbia

MB - Manitoba

NB - New Brunswick

NL - Newfoundland and Labrador

NT - Northwest Territories

NS - Nova Scotia

ON - Ontario

PE - Prince Edward Island

QC - Quebec

SK - Saskatchewan

YT - Yukon

Rules

  • Use Canada Post’s two-letter abbreviations for province names

Punctuation

Colon

Format

The memorandum is consistent with Sask Polytech’s new direction in agricultural programming: to focus on custom solutions that capture emerging opportunities.

The memorandum is consistent with Sask Polytech’s new direction in agricultural programming: We will focus on custom solutions that capture emerging opportunities. 

Rules

  • Use a colon before a concluding summary in a sentence.
  • Capitalize the first letter following the colon if the concluding summary contains both a subject and a verb.
Comma

Format

New online students are advised to go through the online login demonstration, run their browser tune-up and become familiar with the set-up of their online courses.

Our Internet site is 467-4278, and our intranet site is mySaskPolytech.

As a major employer of Sask Polytech graduates, SaskPower recognizes the importance of providing students with access to the technology they will use in the workplace.

The online students’ welcome letter, which comes from the director of Learning Technologies, helps introduce students to what they can expect from their online experiences.

Students not on work placements network with SaskPower personnel to discuss career options. (“Not on work placements” is a restrictive element, i.e., it restricts participation to those not on work placements and is necessary for correct meaning.)

The announcement on mySaskPolytech read, “Donation creates state-of-the-art lab.”

Rules

  • A comma is often used to develop a sequence within a sentence or to separate items in a list. In Sask Polytech convention, a comma generally is not required before the conjunction (and, but, or) at the end of a list.
  • A comma is used between independent clauses joined by a conjunction (and, but, yet, etc.).
  • A comma is used after introductory clauses.
  •  A comma can be used to separate non-restrictive elements (could be removed without changing meaning) from the rest of the sentence.
  • Do not use a comma to separate a restrictive element.
  • A comma is used to introduce a quotation of a complete sentence.
Compound word

A compound word is made up of two or more existing words. Consult the Canadian Oxford Dictionary.

Hyphen

Format

Our school uses state-of-the-art technology.

Students can choose either one- or two-hour tours.

The 12th-grade student didn’t notice he was on a one-way street.

Rules

  • Use a hyphen to join two or more words serving to form a single adjective before a noun.
  • When using hyphens for successive compound adjectives, if the second part of the first adjective is omitted, the hyphen is retained and followed by a space.
  • Use hyphens in adjective phrases that include whole numbers or fractions.
  • Hyphens are not required after a word ending in ly.
Period

Format

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. We're a polytechnic recognized nationally and internationally for our expertise and innovation.

Rules

Between sentences, key just one space after a period.

Quotation mark
 

Rules

  • Do not use quotation marks in an attempt to emphasize a word, e.g., Enrol “today”!
  • Quotation marks can set off a significant word or phrase, a word used ironically or an unfamiliar term on first reference. Do not use around routine words or phrases.
  • Periods and commas always go inside closing quotation marks; colons and semicolons go outside. Question marks and exclamation marks go inside the quotation marks when they are part of the quoted matter, but outside when they apply to the entire sentence.
  • Quotation marks are placed around cited words or phrases.
  • A quote set within a quote is put in single quotation marks. A quotation within a quotation that also ends the sentence is as follows: Deirdre commented, “Mother is always saying to me, ‘Sit up straight.’”
  • Use single quotation marks in a headline.
Semicolon

Format

The faculty is excited about working with the new equipment; it has sparked the students’ enthusiasm and motivation to learn.

Rules

Use semicolons between independent clauses that are not separated by a conjunction.

RSVP

Format

RSVP to John at 306-555-1234 by Friday, April 19, 2017.

Rules

  • When using RSVP on an invitation, do not follow with the word “please” as it is included in the expression, e.g., Réspondez, s’il vous plaît = Answer, please.
  • Make sure instructions are clear and correct.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic glossary

Refer to the glossary.

Spelling

If the word you are looking for is not included in the list below, consult Canadian Press Caps and Spelling first, then the Oxford Canadian Dictionary second.

List of words

$2 million; $2-million project

3D

affect (v.); effect (n.)

alumna (singular female graduate)
alumnae (plural female graduates)
alumn (singular gender neutral)
alumnus (singular male graduate)
alumni  (either plural male graduates or group of graduates comprising both sexes)

analogue

analyze

antennas (found on televisions etc.); antennae (found on an insect)

award-winning (adj.)

behaviour

bioplastic (one word not bio plastic)

booklist

brand name (n.); brand-name (adj.)

built-in (adj.)

campus’ (plural possessive)

campus’s (singular possessive)

centre (not center)

cheque

child care (two words)

classwork

closed-circuit

colour

co-operative

coordinator

counsel, counselling, counselled, counsellor

coursework

credentialing, credentialed

Criminal Record Check (capitalize when used in program prerequisites or requirements)

curriculum (singular); curricula (plural)

datum (singular); data (plural)

Day 1 (It’s been the best program since Day 1.)

daycare (one word)

decision making (n.); decision-making (adj.)

defence

degree-granting institution

drop-in (adj.)

Elder (capitalize)

email

emeritas (feminine form), emeritus (masculine form)

enrol, enrolled, enrolling, enrolment

entry-level job

fast-track (v.), fast track (n.)

first-come, first-served basis

first-hand

first-year student

follow up (v.); follow-up (n.)

front line (n.); front-line (adj.), i.e., front-line workers

full-load equivalent

full-time classes available full time

gauge

GED® (always has the registered trademark symbol following it)

go-kart

Grade 12 (singular); grades 7 and 8 (plural); grades 9 to 11 (plural)

grey  (not gray)

hands-on (adj.)

head-on (adj.)

head start

health care (n.), health-care (adj.)

high level of proficiency

high school (not high-school)

high-demand admission process; high-demand skills

high-quality

high-tech training

home page

home study

honour, honourable, honorary

Indigenous (capitalize)

internationally recognized

interprofessional

Internet (capitalized)

intranet (not capitalized)

job ready “students are job ready“;  job-ready “job-ready students”

journeyperson (not journeyman)

judgment (not judgement)

jump-start

labour

leading-edge technology

learning-centred

licence (n.); license (v.)

 life-changing (adj.)

lifelong

litre

log in (v.), login (n., adj.)

long-term care

lowercase (n., v.)

low-income

mail out (v.), mailout (n.)

metre

mid-term

Millenials (caps)

modelling

myriad (n., adj.)

nationally recognized, nationally accredited

neighbour

note taking (v.)

on campus (n. and prep.); on-campus (adj.)

on hand

online

on-site (adj.)

one-on-one

one to two years

overrepresent (one word)

part-time (adj., adv.); part-timer

per cent (two words)

personalize

post-degree (adj.)

post-secondary (adj.)

practice (n.), practise (v.) (Nurses practise a variety of health care practices.)

practicum (singular); practicums (plural)

prerequisite (n., adj.)

preschool

province-wide

real-life learning, real-life approach

real-world training

reapply

resumé

ribbon cutting (n.); ribbon-cutting (adj.)

role-play

short order

short-term (adj.) (short-term investment); short term (n.) (in the short term)

skilful

sold-out (adj.)

stepping stone

storyteller, storytelling (one word)

subject-matter expert

teepee

theirs, its (possessive pronouns) (not their’s or it’s) but “it’s” for contraction of it is (It’s going to rain today)

top-level

toward (not towards)

troubleshooting

Ukraine (not “the Ukraine”)

undergrads (one word)

under-represented

undersubscribed

up-to-date

uppercase (n., v.)

user-friendly

waitlist

wastewater (one word)

web page

website (one word, not capitalized)

well-being (n.) i.e., a happy state

well-known (adj.)

well-rounded (adj.)

wide range of student services

wide-ranging (adj.) i.e., wide-ranging skills

Wi-Fi

work site

work term

workday (one word)

workforce

workload

workplace

work-ready, workplace-ready (adj.)

World Wide Web (capitalized)

Telephone numbers

Format

306-653-3793

Rules

  • All phone numbers should be listed as 10 digits without brackets around the area code and with hyphens.
  • Whenever possible, include the toll-free number, 1-866-467-4278.

Time

Format

9 a.m.

10 - 11 a.m.

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Noon, midnight

 

Rules

  • Don't add :00
  • Use a.m. and p.m., not in the morning, afternoon or evening.
  • Only list a.m. or p.m. once at the end if both times are the same. If one is in the a.m. and one is in the p.m., provide both respectively. 
  • Time is written in figures; however, use noon or midnight, not 12 noon or 12 midnight.

Titles of works

Format

The Globe and Mail

relevance

Rules

  • Italicize titles of works including books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, movies, songs, album titles, plays, radio and television programs and computer games.

Translations

This is the official translation of Saskatchewan Polytechnic in:

French:

  • Within text or explanations of our organization:Full form: École polytechnique de la Saskatchewan
  • Abbreviated form: La Polytechnique Saskatchewan
  • For website or document title purposes:Polytechnique Saskatchewan is acceptable

Korean:

서스캐처원 폴리테크닉

Mandarin

萨斯喀彻温省应用科技学

Vietnamese:

Trường Bách khoa Saskatchewan