Communications Standards Manual

Southwest Baptist University’s communication has only one chance to make that critical first impression. The goal of the University Communication Standards Program is to place our “best foot forward” and to develop clear, consistent communications that reflect and build on SBU’s tradition and programs of excellence.

Since SBU’s communication is created in every department by many different people, this guide is produced to help explain policies and procedures for using university symbols and to provide illustrations showing their appropriate usage. It is also a resource for communicating important facts, names and SBU culture. It is in every department’s interest, as well as university policy, to convey a high quality, consistent image for communication bearing the Southwest Baptist University name. By using the standards outlined in this document, we will ensure that all communication -- regardless of the college, department or office they represent -- speaks with a consistently high image of SBU.

University Nomenclature for Academic Degrees

Definitions:

Doctor (n.): the highest degree held or offered in an academic subject; the title of the person holding the degree.

Doctorate (n.): The status of a doctor as conferred by a university

Doctoral (adj.): of or relating to a doctor or doctorate.

Usage:

SBU offers a doctorate in physical therapy [not doctorate of physical therapy].
SBU offers a Doctor of Physical therapy degree.
SBU offers a doctoral degree in physical therapy.

He/she has a/the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from SBU.
He/she has a doctorate in physical therapy from SBU.
He/she is pursuing a doctoral degree in physical therapy at SBU.

The word "holds' could be substituted for the word "has" in the above usages.

Please be aware that this document is not designed for classroom use, but for general university communication. For more information or to ask specific questions concerning information contained in this document, please contact the office of marketing and communications at (417) 328-1803.