Language

These language guidelines ensure our brand voice, naming conventions, and formatting remain consistent and accurate across all public-facing, promotional, and internal communication channels.

Institutional Naming & Abbreviation Rules

Primary Formal Name

Our formal name is “Davidson-Davie Community College.”

  • Use the full formal name on first reference in all official, external, academic, and promotional materials.
  • Always hyphenate “Davidson-Davie” with a standard hyphen (no spaces around the hyphen).

Secondary Short Names (Preferred)

After establishing the full formal name on first reference, use these approved short forms in body copy:

  • “the College” (capitalize “College” when referring specifically to Davidson-Davie)
  • “Davidson-Davie”

Acronym Usage Policy (“DDCC”)

  • External & Public-Facing Restriction: Do not use the acronym “DDCC” in external, public-facing, or promotional materials (news articles, brochures, press releases, website body copy).
  • Verbal & Presentation Standard: Faculty, staff, and representatives of the College should refrain from using “DDCC” verbally during external presentations, community meetings, media interviews, and public conversations. Instead, refer to the institution aloud by its full name or, if shortened, as “Davidson-Davie” or “the College.”

Brand Assets & Capitalization Standards

STORM Athletics

STORM must always be capitalized in ALL CAPS when referring to college athletics, teams, or sports brand assets.

  • Correct: STORM Athletics, STORM Basketball, Join the STORM Club
  • Incorrect: Storm Athletics, storm athletics

Academic Degrees

Capitalize formal degree titles (Associate in Applied Science degree, Bachelor of Science).

Departments, Offices, & Programs

Capitalize official department, office, and program names (Financial Aid Office, Surgical Technology Program, Career Development Center).

Contact Details & Formatting Standards

Consistency in contact information, dates, times, and numbers ensures clear, professional communication across all digital and print materials.

Phone Numbers & Extensions

  • Format: Format all phone numbers using dots between number groups: 336.224.4680
  • Extensions: Write phone extensions using a comma followed by lowercase ext. and a space: 336.123.1234, ext. 6789

Campus Addresses

Street Designations: Spell out street designations in formal print materials (Road, Boulevard, Avenue).

Davidson Campus
297 DCC Road
Thomasville, NC 27360
Phone: 336.249.8186

Davie Campus
1205 Salisbury Road
Mocksville, NC 27028
Phone: 336.751.2885

Time Conventions

  • Use lowercase a.m. and p.m. with periods.
  • Omit :00 for top-of-the-hour times. Correct: 2 p.m. Incorrect: 2:00 p.m. or 2 PM
  • Time Ranges: Use a spaced hyphen between times. Omit the first a.m. or p.m. if both times fall within the same period. Same period: 9 - 11 a.m. Different periods: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Date Conventions

  • Format full dates with the month spelled out, followed by the day, a comma, and the year: September 15, 2026
  • Date Ranges: For multi-day events in the same month, use a spaced hyphen between days: March 10 - 12, 2026

Number Formatting

  • One Through Nine: Spell out whole numbers from one through nine in body copy (three students).
  • 10 and Above: Use numerals for 10 and higher (12 students).

Websites & Digital Links

  • Omit https:// and www. in printed or visual marketing collateral when the URL is clear.
  • Correct: davidsondavie.edu, info.davidsondavie.edu, or davidsondaviefoundation.org
  • Incorrect: https://www.davidsondavie.edu
  • Initial caps can be employed for emphasis but used sparingly: OpenHouse.DavidsonDavie.edu
Typography