> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://uiccom.gitbook.io/style-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://uiccom.gitbook.io/style-guide/college-of-medicine-logos-brand-and-style/write-with-the-college-web-style/terminology-and-language/departments.md).

# Departments

The term “department” refers to the college’s academic departments, such as Department of Psychiatry.

When referring to a department, always capitalize the department name when it stands alone or is written as an official and formal name For example: 

> *The UICOMR Department of Pediatrics received a grant last year.* 

Subsequent references should be written more simply like this:

> *The grant enabled the department to build a new lab.*

Note that in describing the relationship between a department and its college, the correct phrasing is that the department is in the college, not of the college. 

Be clear about whether you are talking about a department or Office, e.g. it is the Office of Student Affairs, not the Student Affairs Department.

## Using acronyms for department names

Be sure to understand the guidelines for using acronyms.

{% content-ref url="/pages/yzfArQdwjg07xeJCA9Vh" %}
[Abbreviations and acronyms](/style-guide/college-of-medicine-logos-brand-and-style/write-with-the-college-web-style/terminology-and-language/abbreviations-and-acronyms.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}