Alumnus is the singular reference for a male graduate; alumna, the singular reference for a female graduate; alumni, the plural reference to a mixed group of male and female graduates or male graduates only; alumnae, the plural reference for female graduates only. Follow similar use for emeritus.


The following spellings are preferred:

  • Advisor (not adviser)

  • Catalog (not catalogue)

  • Course work (not coursework)

  • Website (not web site)

  • Database (not data base)

  • Fund-raising, fund-raiser

  • Healthcare

  • Kickoff (noun or adjective); kick off (verb)

  • Theatre (when referring to the department or discipline)

  • Workplace (not work place)