Use the full, capitalized proper name when first mentioning the name of the college, school, department, or unit. Include the short form within parentheses and use it in subsequent mentions.
The Division of Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) connects with Cornell’s wide audience of alumni, parents, and friends. AAD drives the university’s fundraising and engagement efforts.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is the second largest undergraduate college at Cornell.
When spelling out, replace any instance of “&” with “and,” unless the “&” is really integral to brand of the college or unit.
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
but College of Arts & Sciences
Don’t capitalize unofficial variants of the name.
Department of English
English department
English Department
School of Hotel Administration
SHA
hotel school
Hotel School
College of Veterinary Medicine
CVM
veterinary college
Veterinary College
The full names of colleges and units—as well as their preferred abbreviations—sometimes change. Keep abreast of changes by checking the usage of names on official websites and other Cornell channels, especially the Cornell Chronicle.