For those curious about the differences between em dashes and en dashes: The em dash is the mark of punctuation many of us think of when we hear the term “dash”. This kind of dash is typically implemented to create a strong break in the structure of a sentence. Dashes can be used in pairs like parentheses—that is, to enclose a word, or a phrase, or a clause, like so—or they can be used alone to detach one end of a sentence from the main body. Em dashes are particularly helpful in a sentence that is long and complex or in one that has a number of commas within it. They are also used when attributing a quote outside the body of text. When in use with a quote, place a space between the ending punctuation and the em dash, as with epigraphs:. Learning at Evergreen rocks. —Speedy Q. Geoduck The en dash is slightly longer than the hyphen but not as long as the em dash. (It is, in fact, the width of a typesetter’s letter “N,” whereas the em dash is the width of the letter “M”—thus their names.) The en dash means, quite simply, “through.” We use it most commonly to indicate inclusive dates and numbers: July 9–August 17; pp. 37–59.
Academic and Evergreen-Specific Nomenclature These are a few ideas for academic and Evergreen-specific language. For a further list of terms often used in describing education at Evergreen (and in reporting of student demographics and institutional research) see evergreen.edu/institutionalresearch/glossary. academic departments, buildings, and centers: Capitalize official names. On second reference, use lowercase if full name is not used, e.g. Center for Sustainable Infrastructure; the center. Admissions, admission vs. admittance: The department that manages entry into Evergreen is called Admissions. If you went to school here, you applied and then were admitted. When you got your letter, it was an admission letter or letter of admission. Admittance usually refers to entry into a specific physical place, for example: no admittance to B Lot. degrees: Generally, two-letter degrees use periods (B.A., B.S.) and three-letter degrees use no periods (MPA, MES, MFA, PhD). Spell out the degree using lowercase letters within a sentence: bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of arts and science. Use “doctorate” in sentences instead of abbreviations for most references. If you transferred in with an A.A. you have an associate’s degree. If you graduated from Evergreen’s undergraduate program, you will have a bachelor’s degree; if you graduate from Evergreen’s graduate program you will have a master’s degree (note the “’s”). If you list out the degree type you are enrolling in or have completed, capitalize the degree title: Master in Public Administration; Bachelor of Science. graduation years: Graduate years are formatted using the last two numbers of the year following the name: Holly Johnson ’79. If multiple degrees are listed, place a comma after the original format, then the additional degree abbreviation and year: Peter Boome ’08, MES ’14. emeriti: “emeritus” is used for singular masculine and gender-neutral references. “emeriti” is the masculine or gender-neutral plural. “emerita” is the feminine singular. “emeritae” is the feminine plural. Always lowercase. Use “faculty emeritus,” not “emeritus faculty”. This is an honorific bestowed on meritorious faculty members upon their retirement; does not automatically apply to all retired faculty members. The term can also be used to indicate former trustees or retired members of other important groups. Not all retirees receive emeritus status. 64 | The Evergreen State College | Writing Center
