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Writing Guides

Writing about Cal Poly

Every written piece helps the university tell its own story. Use these resources to stay consistent with our brand and tailor content for the right channels.

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Style Guide

Following a style guide helps ensure a consistent brand experience, even when multiple writers develop our content. Cal Poly uses the AP Stylebook as its main point of reference with a few important exceptions.

Access our style guide

 

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voice and tone

The Cal Poly tone of voice is straightforward, practical and easy to understand. Follow a few simple guidelines to confidently express our brand personality.

voice and tone guide

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Newswriting Guidelines

Writing news stories is different than other methods of storytelling. Embrace these traditional newswriting standards to deliver clear and understandable information to your audience.

How to write news stories

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Media Relations

Have a story you are interested in getting out to a wider audience? Find the right channels to amplify it throughout California, the nation and the world.

Learn More About Submitting Your News release

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Media Guidelines

Learn how to obtain comment from the university, request interviews and quickly and efficiently connect with the right sources, including faculty experts.

View the Media Guidelines

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The Cal Poly Name

Using the Cal Poly name correctly is the first step in brand awareness and consistency. Learn how to use our name, as well as how not to use it.

Cal Poly Name Guidelines

More Writing Resources

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Abbreviations

The Cal Poly community uses a lot of abbreviations when communicating. This guide can help decipher them.

Commonly used Abbreviations

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Boilerplates

Learn more about the language required on certain communications pieces such as press releases.

See our boilerplates

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Facts and Figures

Stay current on fast facts and numbers that help our university stand out and define its success.

Cal Poly Facts