How to Read an Entry

To read entries in the General Acronym Listing and Historic Acronym Listing, follow these guidelines.

Entries with No Pronunciation Instructions

These entries are the easiest and are frequently the most commonly used. For example, CCC. Pronounce the acronym one letter at a time, "C-C-C". Other examples of acronyms pronounced this way include CDC and IGSD.

Entries with Pronunciation Instructions in All Uppercase

Entries such as Advanced Document Processing Lab, do not use all of their letters in their acronym (in this case, ADP). The pronunciation instructions "ADP-Lab" mean it should be said one letter at a time and throwing on Lab at the end, "A-D-P-Lab"

Entries with Pronunciation Instructions in Mixed Case or All Lowercase

These entries are often times pronounced as the words that the acronym either spells or resembles. For example, the Committee on Academic Policy (CAP) is referred to as "cap". Similarly, the Committee on Advising and Student Life (CASL) is referred to as "castle."

Often times acronyms are pronounced as they are spelt, even if they aren't a word we already use like the two previous examples. Dining And Kitchen Administration (DAKA) is "day-kuh." Fund Organization Account Program Activity Location (FOAPAL) is "foe-pull."