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University of Wisconsin–Madison

Browse the editorial styleguide A–Z

inclusivity statements
WAA’s long version is: “The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) is open to all alumni, students, and friends of the university. WAA encourages diversity, inclusivity, and participation by all of these groups in its activities; and it does not discriminate on any basis. WAA embraces UW–Madison’s sifting and winnowing motto, which is a cherished and widely admired tradition.” WAA’s short version is: “The Wisconsin Alumni Association encourages diversity, inclusivity, nondiscrimination, and participation by all alumni, students, and friends in its activities.” The university also has a statement of nondiscrimination.
Incorporated, Inc.
delete when possible, but when it’s used, see CMS 6.48
Indigenous
Descendants of those who inhabited a country or a geographical region at the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origins arrived. Practicing unique traditions, Indigenous people retain social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Capitalize this term used to refer to original inhabitants of a place. Aboriginal leaders welcomed a new era of Indigenous relations in Australia. Bolivia’s Indigenous peoples represent some 62 percent of the population. (Sources: United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, AP Stylebook)
initialisms
see acronyms and initialisms
initials
see middle initials
international students
see foreign
internet but intranet
lowercase
intersex
Describes people born with genitalia, chromosomes, or reproductive organs that don’t fit typical definitions for males or females. Avoid the outdated and derogatory term hermaphrodite. While some people can have an intersex condition and also identify as transgender, the two are separate and should not be conflated. (Source: AP Stylebook, GLAAD Media Reference Guide)
issue names, magazine
in On Wisconsin and Badger Insider magazines, capitalize the name of the season (i.e., the name of the issue), whether the year is included or not: the Spring 2015 issue, the Fall issue
it's, its
it's is the contraction for it is; its is the possessive