Style tips: Back-to-school time

Now that the fall semester is underway, let’s talk back-to-school style — no, not fashion, but our trusty Editorial Style Guide, of course! There’s never a bad time to review the style guide, but since campus is bustling again, let’s revisit a handful of student-centric entries that may be relevant to your writing. 

Purdue’s academic terms are fall semester, spring semester, summer session and winter session. Lowercase these in general references, even when referring to a specific term like fall 2025 semester. 

We use specific terminology to identify students’ class. When referring to a group of juniors and/or seniors, upperclassmen may be used. When referring to a group of first-year students and/or sophomores, underclassmen may be used. Do not use upperclass students, lowerclass students or underclass students. 

Speaking of class standing, when talking about newcomers, the phrase first-year student is preferred. But freshman is still used in cases where a distinction needs to be made between a beginning college student and someone who has just transferred into Purdue. Freshman also is acceptable in headlines and in phrases such as freshman class (it is not freshmen class). 

Our entry on the terms dorm/dormitory is succinct: Do not use. The preferred terminology is residence hall or residence. 

Here’s to a great semester, Boilermaker communicators!

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