Revised September 6, 2022

All content written and produced by the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University will conform to Associated Press (AP) Stylebook guidelines. Recently updated is a glossary of common terms that conform to AP style and many examples where CSB and SJU messaging will deviate. However, there are unique grammatical/style circumstances that apply to our institutions that are not covered by any universal manual.

Below are some important highlights to note. 

When referring to College of Saint Benedict, Saint Ben’s, CSB

College of Saint Benedict on first reference, CSB or Saint Ben’s on subsequent references.

When referring to Saint John’s University, Saint John’s, SJU

Saint John’s University on first reference, SJU or Saint John’s on second reference. 

When referring to both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

Jointly used, they are given alphabetically with the following also acceptable:  College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s. Do not use St. in any reference; always spell out Saint.

When to use the “+” Symbol

CSB+SJU (The plus symbol (+) is solely reserved for public relations, web buttons, social media and marketing materials. The plus symbol (+) means the same as “and” but should never be used in official communication without consultation with, and approval of, the marketing team. The plus (+) should also never be used on apparel.

When to use the “and”

Use the “and” in official communication, policy documents, quantitative surveys, legal agreements and emails. When referring to both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, they are given alphabetically, with the following also acceptable: College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s, CSB and SJU.

When to use CSBSJU

Never use CSBSJU without the “and” in between the acronyms. Using CSBSJU suggests we are one institution and is confusing to external audiences.

When to spell out each institution

It is preferred, when possible, to spell out the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University especially in external communication pieces. External audiences do not always know what CSB and SJU are.

When to use the slash

It is preferred that you use the “and” and not the slash. The slash is easily removed and then looks like CSBSJU, which is not to be used.

Contracts, Agreements, and Polices

Always use full name until it is first defined as a term in the agreement. E.g. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (the “Institutions) or College of Saint Benedict (“CSB”) or (“College”); Saint John’s University (“SJU”) or (“University”). Never use CSB+SJU (using the plus sign) in any agreement or policy when referring to the entities.

When referring to Athletics

Always use full name of the institution. E.g. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (the “Institutions) or College of Saint Benedict (“CSB”) or (“College”); Saint John’s University (“SJU”) or (“University”). When referring to both schools, always use an “and” and no slash or other symbol.

For Athletics Only

Only for athletic uniforms and apparel may St. be used. St. is not to be used in any other form.

Email Templates

If you are sending an email out to a broad audience, please use the templates listed here.

If the entry you’re looking for cannot be found, please refer to the latest version of the AP Stylebook or ask a member of the Marketing and Communications team.