Brand Updates

New AP style updates: Coronavirus

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Here are some of the latest updates from the AP Stylebook when writing about the coronavirus, COVID-19 and related terms.

How to refer to the virus

  • Avoid using SARS-CoV-2, which is the actual name of the virus.
  • It’s acceptable to refer to the coronavirus on first reference in stories about the current pandemic.
  • A year into the outbreak, don’t use the terms “new coronavirus” or “novel coronavirus” unless needed to distinguish between viruses.
  • The term coronavirus is generally acceptable in references to the pandemic: coronavirus cases, coronavirus tests, coronavirus variants.
  • When referring specifically to the virus, the COVID-19 virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are acceptable, as is simply the coronavirus.
  • Use the term COVID-19 when referring specifically to the disease: COVID-19 treatments, COVID-19 patients, COVID-19 deaths, recovering from COVID-19.
  • It’s not accurate to write a virus called COVID-19.
  • The shortened form COVID is acceptable if necessary for space in headlines, and in direct quotations and proper names.

How to use other terms

  • When using social distancing, don’t add quotation marks or hyphen. The shortened versions distancing or distanced are acceptable on second reference if clear in the context.
  • Superspreader is one word. It refers to an individual who spreads a virus or disease to an unusually large number of people, or a setting or event where an infection is spread to a large number of people.
  • Use variant or version to describe a new form of a virus. Avoid using the numbers given to variants such as B.1.1.7 for the one first found in Britain, as well as country labels like the South Africa variant (use the variant first detected in South Africa instead).
  • The terms immunization and vaccination can generally be used interchangeably. Don’t refer to a vaccine as a drug, medicine or serum.
  • Coronavirus vaccines are made in various ways. It’s not necessary to include the type of vaccine, unless relevant, in most stories. Use the manufacturer’s name if needed to distinguish between vaccines: Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sanofi, Sinopharm, Sinovac, CanSino and Johnson & Johnson (J&J on second reference).
  • Avoid saying a vaccine was approved, until full, final approval has been granted by a regulatory agency. Until then, the vaccines are still considered experimental. Describe them as authorized for emergency use; allowed for emergency use; given the green light, etc.
  • Do not use the term anti-vaxxer for someone who opposes vaccinations. If necessary in a direct quotation, explain it.

For more information, log in to the AP Stylebook Online.

Contact university communications

 

 

Recap: Social media for all

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Missouri State University is committed to developing digital content that anybody can access and understand, regardless of their physical abilities. MSU’s information should be equally available to people who have disabilities including (but not limited to) visual, auditory and cognitive.

Social media for all

Accessible content helps everybody, even people who have no disabilities. Whether you’ve experienced a slow internet connection at home, accessed information on a mobile device or wanted to watch a video with the sound off, accessible practices make those tasks easier.

And it helps Missouri State enroll students, ensure legal compliance and support the public affairs mission.

Kevin Agee, a content strategist from the office of university communications, presented “Social media for all: Creating accessible content” via Zoom on Dec. 2. The presentation slides are now available.

Download the presentation slides (PDF)

New AP style updates: Race-related coverage

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Recently, the AP Stylebook updated sections related to race.

A few highlights include:

  • Race-related coverage (revised): Writing about issues involving race calls for thoughtful consideration, precise language, and discussions with others of diverse backgrounds.
  • The racist, racism section added detail on systemic racism, structural racism and institutional racism.
  • The people of color, racial minority section is replaced by separate sections on each term. Among the points: Don’t use BIPOC, BAME or POC unless necessary in a quote; if used in a quote, explain it. Many people object to those terms on varying grounds. Use people of color only when necessary in broad references to multiple races other than white.
  • New entries on Black Lives Matter, Juneteenth and slaves, enslaved people.

There were new entries added (not in the race-related coverage entry)on:

  • Defund: To stop providing or to reduce funds, especially government funds, for a program, group, etc. The term is sometimes misrepresented as abolishing police. Avoid using the term other than in a direct quotation; if used in a quotation, explain and provide detail about what is being sought.
  • Kung Flu: Do not use this racist nickname for COVID-19, including in a direct quotation. Instead, paraphrase and refer to a racist slur for the disease.
  • Looting, looters: Apply the word looters carefully and specifically to those who engage in looting. Avoid the labeling and the stigmatizing of larger communities, groups or all protesters.
  • Riot, unrest, protest, demonstration, uprising, revolt:Use care in deciding which term best applies.

Every time you log into AP Stylebook Online, you can easily find recent updates by clicking on “New Entries” or “Recent Changes” on your subscriber homepage.

 

Learn how to tell MSU’s story at MarCom Training Week

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Here’s the perfect New Year’s resolution: Serve your Missouri State audiences better than ever. We can show you how in just one week.

The division of marketing and communications will present the first MarCom Training Week Feb. 3-7, 2020, at Plaster Student Union 308. All sessions are free. Registration is required on My Learning Connection via My Missouri State.

Register now

The schedule

Feb. 3

How to sound like Missouri State, 9-10 a.m.

  • How to write about Missouri State within brand.
  • Assistance available within the brand website.
  • What style to use when writing for the university.
  • Best practices for readability.

How to look like Missouri State, 10:15-11:15 a.m.

  • Brand visual guidelines.
  • What brand resources are available.
  • How to use university logos and branding elements.
  • Best practices for designing within the brand.

Feb. 4

Making your statement with video, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

  • The goals of using video.
  • How to plan your video shoot.
  • What techniques you can use to improve your video quality.
  • How and when to live-stream.
  • Resources to help you shoot, edit and release your videos.

Feb. 5

Making your statement with social media, 9-11 a.m.

  • Choosing and creating a profile.
  • Discovering what content works best on each platform.
  • Branding your department or college across channels.
  • Delivering good customer service.
  • Effective tools.

5 blogging tips for beginners, 1-2 p.m.

  • Getting started (creating a blog, adding users and roles).
  • What to post on your blog (news, profiles/features, events).
  • Visuals (photos, video).
  • Text (readability, headings, linking).
  • Sharing and promoting your blog (social media, email, analytics).

Feb. 6

Publicizing your event with calendars and social media, 9-10 a.m.

  • Best practices for using Missouri State’s online calendar.
  • Keys to sharing events on social media.
  • Where to find other community calendar resources.

How to be a Web Press star, 10:15-11:45 a.m.

  • Which Web Press content groups to use.
  • Making your website usable and accessible for all.
  • How to create an action-oriented website.

Making your statement with photography, 1-2 p.m.

  • How to best utilize the office of visual media and make your photo request productive.
  • Ways to use your own camera or cell phone to get great photos.
  • How to work with people, lighting, handling releases and setting the stage for a beautiful image.

Feb. 7

Making your statement with media relations, 1-3 p.m.

  • Ways to prepare and practice for media interviews.
  • Why a strong appearance in a newspaper or on TV reflects well on you, your department and the university.

Improve your digital content strategies

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You’re invited to Making Your Statement in a Digital World on Feb. 8.  Join us as we cover best practices for websites, blogs and social media.

Please register on My Learning Connection via My Missouri State. You’re welcome to bring a laptop and/or mobile device.

This is a terrific opportunity for MSU faculty, staff and students who haven’t previously attended this training session.

Key details

About the session

You’ll learn practical strategies for managing websites, blogs and social media. We’ll answer questions like:

  • How do we repurpose our website and blog content and distribute it on social media?
  • What do users want my website, blog or social media to provide?
  • How do we become better strategic storytellers?
  • What are some tips and tricks we can use to make sure our site is accessible and readable for all users?
  • How do we manage messaging on multiple social media channels?
  • What are some advanced strategies to increase our effectiveness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram?
  • How can we best leverage photo and video content?

Meet the trainers

Erika Brame, web strategy and development

Kai Raymer, web strategy and development