Plurals

Alumni is the correct form when referring to graduates of both genders. Do NOT use the awkward alumni/ae.

Alumnae, the feminine plural, should be used when all members of the group are female.

Professors emeriti is the correct form when referring to retired professors of both genders.

Professors emeritae is the feminine plural.

When referring to former members of the Board of Trustees, use emeritus trustees.

Possessives

Add “’s” to form the possessive of singular nouns.

Do not add “s” if it doubles.

Add apostrophe to form the possessive of plural nouns ending in “s.”

Punctuation

Use serial commas.

Commas and periods always go inside quotation marks. Placement of semicolons and colons go outside quotation marks; if quoted text ends with a semicolon or colon, drop the punctuation mark. Question marks and exclamation points should be placed inside quotation marks when it is part of the quoted materials; otherwise, they should be placed outside the quotation marks.

Grammatically complete clauses generally should precede colons.