Communication Guide

CSUN’s voice reflects our values: academic excellence, inclusivity and community engagement. Our tone adapts to different audiences, but it should always be:

• Confident and Knowledgeable – Clear, authoritative and informative.
• Welcoming and Inclusive – Accessible, respectful and engaging for all.
• Inspiring and Engaging – Motivating our community through positive storytelling

Tip: Write as if you are re speaking to students, faculty and the broader CSUN community. Keep it clear, concise and active.

To ensure professionalism and readability, CSUN follows these key writing principles:

• Follow AP Style – Use the CSUN Style Guide for campus-specific rules.
• Use Clear, Concise Language – Avoid jargon, complex phrasing or overly formal wording.
• Be Consistent – Keep terminology, punctuation and formatting uniform across all materials.

These standards apply to all official university communications, including web content, press releases, social media posts, marketing materials, internal memos and academic publications.

Our words should reflect and respect CSUN’s diverse community. Follow these best practices:

• Use Correct Pronouns – Visit Why Pronouns Matter for guidance.
• Avoid Bias in Language – Use gender-neutral terms and culturally sensitive phrasing.
• Be Mindful of Accessibility – Ensure content is easy to understand for all readers.

Inclusivity starts with language—small changes make a big impact.