What We Call Ourselves
- First reference: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
- Second reference: U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix
- Subsequent references: College of Medicine – Phoenix
- For internal audiences, on second or subsequent references, “College” (capitalized) may be used.
When it comes to establishing a brand, consistency is key — consistency in design, text and in our name. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is not new, but the College is striving to establish itself as an independent entity, having earned full accreditation in 2017. Previously, the College was under the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson's accreditation.
If we expect external audiences, including the media and the general public, to refer to us correctly, we must do so internally, as well. Whenever possible, we refer to ourselves by our full name: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. When modified, U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix is used.
On first reference in text, in titles, signage, news releases, and other formal uses, the University of Arizona is spelled out. On subsequent text references, it is acceptable to shorten the name to “U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix.”
- Special Note: The name includes a "space" followed by an “en dash” followed by a "space" between Medicine and Phoenix.
What's an en dash? The en dash (–) is slightly wider than the hyphen (-) but narrower than the em dash (—). How do I type one? For MAC: hold down the Option key and press the Minus key. For PC: type the hyphen character on the alphanumeric keypad, Word will change the cursor. Hold down the [Alt] key and type 0150 on the numeric keypad.
Acceptable second references also include: “the College,” and “the medical college.” On second or subsequent references, “College” (capitalized) may be used in internal and promotional materials produced by that specific college. In other instances (news releases and other material for external audiences), “college” should be lowercase on second or subsequent references.
Why It Matters
If we are not intentional in what we call ourselves, acronyms, nicknames and shorthand references will organically develop. We all need to do what we can to avoid confusion with our external audiences: the media, general public, peers and legislature.
- What we are NOT: COM–P, COMP.
In using our name in its full and abbreviated form, we will be reinforcing who we are, where we are and what we do which will help us create more awareness throughout Arizona and the nation.