B
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science — A bachelor's degree or bachelor’s is acceptable in any reference. See academic degrees for guidelines on when the abbreviations B.A. or B.S. are acceptable.
back-to-school, back to school — He bought back-to-school supplies. She went back to school.
back up (v.), backup (n. and adj.)
backward — Not backwards
bestseller, bestselling— No hyphen
biannual — Means twice a year and is a synonym for semiannual
Big 12— The Big 12 is part of the Power Five conference, which includes the Big Ten, Big 12, Atlantic Coast Conference, Southeaster Conference and Pac -12. Refer to the conference in writing initially as Big 12 Conference and thereafter Big 12. Do no reference the conference as Big XII.
bimonthly — means every other month. Semimonthly means twice a month.
biweekly — means every other week. Semiweekly means twice a week.
Board of Regents — The committee appointed by the state of Texas to oversee the effective operation of the University of Houston System. First references should include UH System Board of Regents. The UHS Board of Regents represents all universities within the UH System. Any reference to the UH Board of Regents is incorrect.
The Board of Regents consists of nine members who are appointed by the governor for a six-year term. The board’s student member is appointed for a one-year term. Always uppercase and use the full name on the first reference. On the second reference, the board can be used as a substitute. When referring to a member of the Board of Regents, refer to him or her as Regent followed by the last name.
boilerplate descriptions — It is customary to end news releases with a general statement about the University.
About the University of Houston (short version)
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most culturally rich regions in the country, UH enrolls more than 47,000 students.
About the University of Houston (long version)
The University of Houston is a powerhouse of innovation, learning and discovery in the nation’s fourth-largest city and one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Founded in 1927, UH is the largest public research university in Houston and the third largest in Texas, serving nearly 48,000 students across its flagship campus in Houston and campuses in Katy and Sugar Land. Through 16 colleges, the University offers more than 300 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs, preparing leaders to thrive in the global economy.
Designated a Carnegie R1 institution for the highest level of research activity and home to a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education, UH reported $239 million in research expenditures in FY 2024. The University leads more than a dozen national research centers — supported by over $20 million in sponsorships in areas such as energy, psychology, superconductivity, laser mapping and homeland security — and supports seven university-level centers and numerous core research facilities. Faculty include members of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and National Academy of Inventors.
Governed by the UH System Board of Regents, UH is one of the most culturally dynamic major research universities in the nation. With state-of-the-art facilities such as the Technology Bridge innovation hub and UH’s Arts and Health Districts, UH drives discovery, fosters creativity, promotes health and education, and transforms communities locally and globally.
About the University of Houston System
The University of Houston System (UHS) is the region’s largest provider of comprehensive university services, serving more than 72,000 students annually and producing a $7 billion impact on the Greater Houston economy each year. UHS includes three separate institutions — the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake and University of Houston-Downtown — as well as several teaching centers across Greater Houston. Each university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. UHS also operates Houston Public Media, which includes a National Public Radio station and a PBS affiliate. For more information, see UHS.Americans with Disabilities Act Statement — The ADA statement should be used on invitations, announcements and marketing and promotional pieces for special events. Following is the standard statement; fill in the name or office, phone number and date accordingly.
Persons with disabilities who desire accommodations should contact [name or office] at [phone number] by [date].
or
The University of Houston is an equal opportunity institution. Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by calling [name or office] at [phone number] by [date].
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement — The following EEOC statement should be included in all UH brochures and advertisements. Any questions regarding this statement should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at 713-743-0949.
The University of Houston provides equal treatment and opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender and pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, gender expression, or any other legally protected status, except where such distinction is required by law.
The University of Houston is an EEO institution.
Blaffer Art Museum — Founded in 1973, the Blaffer Art Museum endeavors to further the understanding of contemporary art through exhibitions, publications and public programs.
buildings — Unless it becomes awkward, do not abbreviate the names of the buildings on campus; capitalize the proper names and include the words building or hall if it is part of the proper name. See the full list of UH building names.