Sometimes it's the little things that stump you when you're creating a document or producing some written communication: Is "office of admissions" capitalized? Do I use the college signature, the district signature or the star logo? Do I capitalize "college" when the full name isn't used? The North Harris Montgomery Community College District Styleguide & Graphic Standards Manual can help answer those questions.

This manual is meant to be a tool for helping all of us over those hurdles. It is also an attempt to help establish a consistent image for our students, prospective students and the many diverse communities we serve.

For design purposes, the graphic standards portion of this publication was developed with an eye toward consistency and ease. An organization's graphic representation to the outside world is a reflection of its image. We would like the district's graphic representation to be clean and consistent, reflecting quality.

For writing style, the district uses two primary references: the "Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual" and "Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary." Whenever conflicting standards appeared, we tried to address them by researching that usage through the most appropriate source. In a few instances, frankly, arbitrary decisions were made about certain uses, in order to ensure consistency.

Use the North Harris Montgomery Community College District Styleguide & Graphic Standards Manual in the creation of materials you develop for external audiences or when you wish to send official communications. This will ensure that the community receives a consistent message in terms of the district's style and graphic standards.

Include the following statement when sending any press release: North Harris Montgomery Community College District, among the five largest and fastest growing community college districts in the state, comprises North Harris College, Kingwood College, Tomball College, Montgomery College, Cy-Fair College, seven satellite centers and The University Center. For more information about the district and its programs call 832.813.6500 or visit www.nhmccd.edu.

As centers are added and the new college opens, the district public information office will distribute information about the changes.

If you have questions as you review the North Harris Montgomery Community College District Styleguide & Graphic Standards Manual, please feel free to call your college relations director or the district's office of publications.