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Cornell University

Cornell University Brand Center

Acronyms and Abbreviations

“CU” is not approved as a shorthand for Cornell University in any setting. While “CU” may be evident in some legacy situations internally, it may not be used in current or future promotions, branding, merchandising, or other communications/marketing. Any campus communicator who discovers use of “CU” should promptly share the context/setting with Brand Communications.

Rationale for this directive includes:

  • “CU” has no affiliation with Cornell University and dilutes the Cornell brand. Any use, therefore, confuses audiences seeking information about, and connection to, Cornell.
  • “CU” is commonly associated with the University of Colorado and Columbia University as well as businesses and other national and global organizations.
  • “CU” is a generic acronym which creates challenges for search engine optimization (SEO), diminishing the ability for users to access Cornell University content.
  • Acronyms can be opaque and create barriers for new audiences, especially international visitors unfamiliar with the context.
    • “CU” can be mistaken/misheard as “SEE YOU,” which further diminishes the Cornell University brand.