When considering a new or revised name, use the shortest option possible. Lengthy names may not display well on webpages, social media and signage. Longer names have more margin for error.
Acronyms and abbreviations should be avoided as they lack clarity, may have associations outside SUNY Cortland and can produce an informal tone. Prospective or current students and their families, faculty, staff, alumni and donors should never have to decode internal jargon.
Changes must follow the guidelines and procedures listed in the SUNY Cortland Handbook, Chapter 442: Change of Office or Department Name.
"Department" generally refers to academic units, while "office" refers to administrative units.
Offices and departments should have the area name first.
Admissions Office, Human Resources Office
English Department, Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department
Some campus units do not include the word "office" in their names. See the Writing Style Guide for the list of exceptions.
Divisions house related administrative offices while academic departments are grouped in schools.
For these larger units, "division" or "school" should be listed first, followed by "of."
Divisions
Schools