Writing Guidelines

Introduction: Students will be required to submit writing assignments regularly in most courses. This document specifies the writing standards that will be used for these assignments.

Writing Style: When writing, use a technical/professional/business tone. Written assignments prepare students for future writing within their professions. Whether it be a simple work order or a complete business proposal, writing will be straightforward, accurate, free of spelling errors and grammatically correct.

Electronic Preparation: All written assignments will be prepared using word-processing software. The recommended software is Microsoft Word; however, due to the large expense required to purchase this software you may also prepare your documents any of the software listed below:

• Google Docs: http://docs.google.com – No download required. Includes word-processing, spreadsheet, electronic presentation and form building tools.
• Abi Word: http://www.abiword.org/ - Free 5.16Mb Download and is a free word-processing software that can export to .doc and .rtf file formats.
• Open Office: http://www.openoffice.org/ - Free 109Mb Download (NOTE: Mac users may wish to consider the NeoOffice fork of OpenOffice: http://www.neooffice.org) that includes word processing, spreadsheet, database and electronic presentation tools. Exports to MS Office formats.

No matter which software is used, the documents will always be saved in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx). Using Microsoft Word, this process is automatic; however, when using the other recommended software, use the software’s Save as feature and select the Microsoft Word format. Assignments not saved correctly will not be accepted.

Page Formatting: The following are guidelines for formatting written assignments:

• Pages. All written assignments will include a cover page, the written assignment and a References page. Use the following specifications:
• Margins. Top Margin: 1", Bottom Margin: 1", Right Margin: 1", Left Margin: 1.5"
• Font. Style. Times New Roman, Size: 12
• Cover Page. TBD
• Page Numbers. Locate page numbers in the lower-right hand corner of each page after the cover page
• Images. Images may be included, but the space in which they reside will not be included in the page count. Images will not exceed 4" x 4" in width and will be centered horizontally on the page. If an image must be larger for clarity reasons, included it in a separate appendix and reference.
• Reference Page. Written assignments will use the APA formatted reference style.

Submissions: Papers will be printed and stapled in the upper-left hand corner. Do not place papers in a document protector or folder. Papers will be submitted to the instructor via an online course management system and as a printed copy. Papers submitted in course management system will be routed through SafeAssign to verify content was not plagiarized. Papers that are plagiarized will receive a zero grade. Late submissions will not be accepted.