About this guide

This editorial style guide is a searchable online reference for Simon Fraser University (SFU) communicators. It describes SFU’s “house style” for writing everything except academic and technical papers.

For issues not covered here, refer to The Canadian Press (CP) Stylebook and CP Caps and Spelling, which are the foundation for this guide. Use the Canadian Oxford Dictionary for spellings and issues not mentioned in either the SFU or CP guides.

What it includes

• SFU exceptions to the CP Stylebook
• Spelling conventions for SFU buildings, faculties, departments, schools, research centres and activities
• Answers to common questions about SFU titles and complicated wording
• Grammar guidance
• Tips for online writing, including social media

How to use it

• Search a specific term such as em dash
• Browse a specific section such as Writing for the Web
  
• Link sections of the guide to your emails, webpages or bookmarks

Stay in touch

This guide is a living document. It is constantly changing as new words are added and definitions, spellings and grammar conventions change. When in doubt, search this guide for the latest rules.

For questions or suggested additions, contact: style_guide@sfu.ca

References and Sources

CP Stylebook (16th ed.)

CP Caps and Spelling (20^th ed.)

CP Stylebook and Caps and Spelling online edition (fee-based)

The Canadian Oxford Dictionary (2^nd Ed.) 

The Elements of Style (4^th Ed.)

Talking Gender: A Guide to Nonsexist Communication