This article is for employees to ensure consistency in all communications that include reference to technology at the university. The guide focuses on common technology services, resources, and terminology.
Terminology
Antivirus
Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware). Use lowercase unless part of a product name (e.g., Microsoft Defender Antivirus).
Backup and Back Up
A backup is a saved copy of data; to back up means to create that copy. Use “backup” as a noun and “back up” as a verb.
Computer Labs
Physical spaces on campus where students can access university-provided computers and software. Use lowercase unless referring to a specific named lab.
D2L Brightspace
The university’s learning management system. Always reference D2L Brightspace on first reference; D2L is acceptable thereafter.
EDUCAUSE
A nonprofit association focused on IT in higher education. Always written in all caps.
eduroam
A secure, worldwide roaming access service for the international research and education community. Always written in all lowercase.
Email
Electronic mail system used for communication. Always one word, no spaces or dashes.
Episerver
The legacy web content management system. Now called Optimizely; use the new name or, if needed, refer to it as Optimizely, formerly Episerver.
Ethernet
A system for connecting computers within a local area network. Always capitalized.
File Name
The title or label assigned to a saved file. Always written as two words.
GB, Gbps, and GBps
Units of digital storage and speed. No space between the number and the abbreviation (e.g., 5Gbps).
- GB = gigabyte
- Gbps = gigabits per second
- GBps = gigabytes per second
Help Desk
The university’s IT support service. Refer to this as IT Solutions Center, not Help Desk.
IT Solutions (ITS)
The central IT organization at the university. Use “IT Solutions” in university-wide communications rather than team or department names.
Internet
A global network connecting millions of computers. Not capitalized unless it is the first word of a sentence.
iOS
The operating system used on Apple iPhones and iPads. Always use lowercase “i” and capital “OS,” all one word; clarify its meaning if users may not be familiar with the term.
KB, Kbps, and KBps
Units of digital storage and speed.
- KB = kilobyte
- Kbps = kilobits per second
- KBps = kilobytes per second
Knowledge Base
A centralized repository of information that provides answers to common questions and detailed explanations. Not a proper noun; do not capitalize.
Knowledge Article
Informational content located in the knowledge base. Not a proper noun; do not capitalize.
LAN
A local area network. LAN is acceptable on first reference for a technical audience.
Learning Management System (LMS)
A platform for delivering course content and managing learning activities. Spell out on first reference.
Login and Log In
The process of accessing a system or service. Use “login” as a noun or adjective and “log in” as a verb (e.g., Use your StarID login to sign up; Please log in using your StarID).
Logout and Log Out
The process of exiting a system or service. Use “logout” as a noun and “log out” as a verb.
macOS
The operating system used on Mac computers. Always use lowercase “mac” and capital “OS,” all one word; clarify its meaning if needed.
MB, Mbps, and MBps
Units of digital storage and speed. MB = megabyte, Mbps = megabits per second, MBps = megabytes per second.
Maverick OneStop (formerly the Service Portal)
The service and knowledge base portal for students and employees. Use “Maverick OneStop” on first reference; “OneStop” is acceptable on subsequent references. OneStop is one word, capitalize the O and S.
MavApps (formerly MavAPPS)
The virtual application delivery platform that allows students and employees to access university-licensed software remotely. One word, capitalize the M and A.
MavLabs (formerly MavLABS)
Remote desktop capability to log into computer labs on campus and access campus software. One word, capitalize the M and L.
MavLife (formerly Mav Life)
The university’s mobile app for students. One word, capitalized the M and L.
MavMail (formerly MavMAIL)
The official email and calendar system for the university. Whenever possible, include a reference to Outlook, as in "MavMail (Outlook)." One word, capitalize both M's.
MavPrint (formerly MavPRINT)
The student printing service on campus. One word, capitalize the M and P.
Microsoft 365
The official app suite at Minnesota State Mankato. Use “Microsoft 365,” not “Office 365.”
Onboard and Onboarding
The process of integrating new employees or users. Use “onboard” as a verb (e.g., We will onboard new employees next week) and “onboarding” as a noun (e.g., The onboarding process includes training); avoid hyphenation unless required for clarity.
Optimizely
The content management system (CMS) that powers the university website. Formerly called Episerver.
Outlook
The official email system/software of the university. One word.
Personal Device
Any device brought to campus or used on a campus network that is not a state-owned device.
Policies Versus Guidelines or Procedures
“Policy” should be reserved for official MSU policies. Use “guidelines,” “procedures,” or “protocols” for documents outlining standards or processes.
Qualtrics
A survey and data collection platform used for research and feedback. Capitalize the brand name; no additional formatting needed.
ResNet
Refers to the internet service provided in campus housing. One word, capitalize both the R and N.
Role
A system designation used internally to define access or permissions. Avoid using terms such as “student role” in communications for end users.
Rollout Versus Roll Out
The process of launching a new service or feature. Use “rollout” as a noun and “roll out” as a verb.
Service Portal
The previous name for Maverick OneStop. Use Maverick OneStop in all current references.
Spacing
The amount of space between sentences. Use only one space between sentences.
StarID
The username for each student and employee used at all institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. One word, with “ID” in all caps.
State-Owned Device
Any device purchased with state funds. Sometimes referred to as an “asset tagged device,” but that is not the preferred term.
TDX
The ticketing application portion of TeamDynamix. Do not refer to TeamDynamix as TDX unless referring specifically to the ticketing system.
TeamDynamix
The university’s IT service management platform. One word, capitalize both the T and D.
Tech ID
A unique identifier used in university systems. Two words separated by a space.
University
Refers to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Do not capitalize unless it is used as part of a formal name.
Username
A unique identifier used to log into university systems. One word.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A secure connection method used to access university systems remotely. Spell out on first reference.