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Using Extension Name
- Never use periods with the N and C – i.e. NC State Extension.
- On first reference, use “NC State Extension.” On subsequent references, it's fine to condense the name to “Extension," as long as it will not cause confusion with other Extension entities that may be mentioned as well.
- Avoid referencing NC State Extension as an acronym (i.e. “NCSE”). Also, the "CES / NCCES" acronym is no longer accurate and should not be used under any circumstances.
- Always capitalize the first “E” in Extension when referring to the organization. The first “e” in Extension should be lowercase only when used to describe the generic act of outreach. Examples:
- “The workshop was sponsored by Extension.”
- “The university’s mission includes extension and engagement.”
- Do not use "NCSU" to refer to NC State University in any way, regardless of whether the communication is external or even internal. Learn more about this policy.
View NC State's Editorial Guidelines for more details on university terminology.
Find guidance on using the N.C. Cooperative Extension partnership name.
Civil Rights
NC State and our respective partners, including our N.C. Cooperative Extension network and all 101 local Extension centers, are committed to providing open access to every North Carolinian seeking to participate in our programs and activities. All personnel and volunteers are expected to understand and be in compliance with related regulations.
Find guidance on policies, procedures and training related to Extension's civil rights obligations:
Boilerplate
The boilerplate is to be used in the footer of news releases and as a general overview statement in various communications as appropriate.
Full Version
About NC State Extension
At NC State Extension, we extend research-based knowledge from our university to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. NC State also works with federal, state and local governments, as well as N.C. A&T State University, as part of a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension. Discover more at About Extension.
Condensed Version (use as appropriate):
NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge from our university to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. Discover more at About Extension
Quick Link: News Release Template (Word Doc | Google Doc)
Download the file and/or add a copy to your Drive in order to edit.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Based on USDA requirements, this statement is required on all materials produced for public information and distribution (regardless of quantity produced). This includes all printed and non-printed public communication resources, such as handouts, newsletters, letterhead, websites, news releases, advertisements, and so forth.
It may appear in the most convenient spot on your communications and can be as small as 6pt type.
Full Statement (English)
"NC State University is an equal opportunity institution and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy or related conditions; age; disability; genetic information; religion; and veteran’s status."
Declaración Completa (Español)
“La Universidad Estatal de Carolina del Norte es una institución que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y prohíbe la discriminación y el acoso por motivos de raza, color o origen nacional, incluyendo ascendencia compartida o características étnicas; sexo, incluyendo orientación sexual, identidad de género y embarazo o condiciones relacionadas; edad; discapacidad; información genética; religión; y estatus de veterano."
Short Version (Version corta)
When space is limited, it is acceptable to use a condensed version of the statement.
English
"NC State University is an equal opportunity institution."
Español
"La Universidad Estatal de Carolina del Norte es una institución de igualdad de oportunidades."
University and Partner Resources
NIFA Funding Acknowledgment Statement
View a handout with all of the following guidance.
Proper acknowledgment of your USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funding in published manuscripts, posters, presentations, press releases and other communications is critical for the success of our programs. These requirements apply to both competitive and capacity funded NIFA projects.
Please acknowledge USDA-NIFA funding, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 415, by following the guidance below.
Standard USDA-NIFA Funding Acknowledgment Language
When acknowledging USDA support in accordance with 2 CFR Part 415, grantees must use the following acknowledgment for all competitive or capacity grants or initiatives supported by NIFA. This statement should be used in scientific publications, presentations, posters, and related materials:
"This work is supported by the [Full Program Name, no acronym], project award no. XXXXXXX], from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture."
Extension Capacity Acknowledgment Language
The following acknowledgment must be used for all Extension capacity grants or initiatives supported by Smith-Lever funding (work supported through the Extension portion of your salary). This statement should be used in scientific publications, presentations, posters and related materials:
"This work is supported by the Extension Capacity Fund [Smith-Lever 3(b) and 3(c), project award no. XXXXXXX], from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture."
Project Award Numbers:
| Title | Project # |
|---|---|
| Animal Production Systems | 7007444 |
| Plant Production Systems | 7007436 |
| Consumer Horticulture | 7007443 |
| Environmental and Natural Resources | 7007438 |
| Community Development | 7007435 |
| Local Food Systems | 7007441 |
| Food Safety | 7007440 |
| Nutrition & Health | 7007442 |
| Families and Communities | 7007439 |
| Youth Development | 7007434 |
CNR Extension Capacity Acknowledgment Language
The following acknowledgment must be used for all CNR Extension capacity work funded through the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA). This statement should be used in scientific publications, presentations, posters and related materials:
"This work is supported by the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA), project award no. 7009029], from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture."
Research Capacity Acknowledgement Language
The following acknowledgment must be used for all research capacity grants or initiatives supported by Hatch, Hatch Multistate, Animal Health or McIntire-Stennis funding. This statement should be used in scientific publications, presentations, posters and related materials:
"This work is supported by the [Research Capacity Fund (HATCH) or Research Capacity Fund (HATCH Multistate) or Animal Health and Disease Research (AHDR) or McIntire-Stennis], project award no. XXXXXXX], from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture."
Your project award number is the Project Accession Number found in NRS.
Additional Required Statement
In addition, all publications and other materials, except scientific articles or papers published in scientific journals, must contain the following statement:
"Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy."
Press Releases and Media Interviews
The awardee is responsible for acknowledging USDA-NIFA support in media postings and during news media interviews that discuss work supported by USDA-NIFA by using language such as the following:
“This work is/was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.”
Using NIFA’s Official Identifier Logo Correctly
The official NIFA identifier is comprised of the USDA logo with NIFA signature lockup. Per NIFA regulations and guidelines, it is expected that grantees use NIFA’s official identifier in publications, posters, websites and presentations resulting from their award.
The updated official NIFA identifier should be used on all print and digital materials moving forward.
Public Document Cost Statement
Document Criteria
Cost statements are required on all STATE publications (N.C.G.S. § 143-170.1). The policy also applies to PUBLIC documents of which at least 200 copies are printed.
This does not apply to internal communication pieces like agendas or other print materials developed for employee meetings, planning discussions, etc.
- A public document includes "any annual, biennial, regular and special report or publication" (N.C.G.S. § 143-169.2), but we recommend adding a cost statement to any print items (with 200+ copies) distributed to the public.
Cost Statement Language
"(quantity) copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $_____ per copy."
The reported cost should include all printing costs in the form of labor and materials, as well as any other identifiable design and production costs.
Calculating Print Cost
If using an external vendor: If printing materials locally (in office), use this rough formula to calculate the total printing cost portion:
- View the Complete N.C. General Statute (Chapter 143, Article 13)
- Total printing cost / Number of copies produced = Cost per copy
- *Cost of color ink cartridge ($30) / Avg. pages per cartridge (225) = Cost per page ($0.13)
- Cost per page ($0.13) x Number of pages printed = Total printing cost (count a double-sided sheet as two pages)
Example:
If you print five copies of a 2-page color booklet with front-and-back printing, that's 20 pages printed x $0.13 per page = total cost of $2.60. And the total printing cost of $2.60 / 5 copies = $0.52 per copy.
Your cost statement would read:
5 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $0.52 per copy.
*If you confirm a different price for the color ink cartridges in your office, just divide the price by 225 to get the price-per-page cost.
Accommodation Statement
We need to provide our clients, communities and program participants that have special needs with an opportunity to request accommodations. Use the following accommodation statements, available in English and Spanish, for all event/program materials and announcements:
English
"In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: {Contact Name, Email and/or Phone}. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least {10} days before the event."
Español
"Para dar cumplimiento a la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA), NC State University aceptará las solicitudes de adaptaciones razonables que realicen las personas con discapacidades. Por favor, envíe las solicitudes de adaptaciones a: {Nombre de Contacto, Email and/or Teléfono}. Las solicitudes podrán ser atendidas con mayor eficacia si se notifica con al menos {10} días de antelación al evento."
Endorsement Disclaimer
Extension personnel should feel comfortable sharing a broad range of factual, research-based information that best addresses stakeholders' needs, including mentioning others' research and/or resources from other trusted entities as applicable.
When mentioning brand names or external products and services, consider including the endorsement disclaimer below, which can be placed at the end of a communications or wherever is most convenient. Always be mindful to comply with copyright rules as well.
"The use of brand names and/or any mention or listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University or our partners, nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned."
Chemicals Disclaimer
When posting or publishing information regarding the use of agricultural chemicals, it is necessary to include a related disclaimer statement. See below for the statement, which can be placed at the end of a communications or wherever is most convenient.
"Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University, nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center."
Partnership Statement (N.C. Cooperative Extension)
"NC State Extension works in tandem with N.C. A&T State University, as well as federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension. With local centers in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee, we deliver education and technology from NC State and N.C. A&T that enriches the lives of North Carolinians and grows our state."
