Students of Grand Canyon University (GCU) are required to
use the guidelines provided by the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association (6th ed.) for preparing written assignments, except
where otherwise noted. GCU has made APA templates and other resources available
within the Student Success Center; therefore, students are not required to
purchase the APA manual.
PLEASE NOTE:
The curriculum materials (Syllabus, Lectures/Readings, Resources, etc.) created
and provided by GCU in the online or Web-enhanced modalities are prepared using
an editorial format that relies on APA as a framework but that modifies some
formatting criteria to better suit the nature and purpose of instructional
materials. Students and faculty are advised that GCU course materials do not
adhere strictly to APA format and should not be used as examples of correct APA
format when preparing written work for class.
Academic writing, which is independent thought supported by
reliable and relevant research, depends on the ability to integrate and cite
the sources that have been consulted. Use APA style for all references, in-text
citations, formatting, etc.
Write in first- and second-person sparingly, if ever. This
means, avoid using I, we, and you; instead, use he, she, and they. Do not use contractions.
1)
Use standard-sized paper of 8.5″ x 11″.
2)
Margins should be 1″ all around (top, bottom,
left, right).
3)
Use Times New Roman 12-point font.
4)
For emphasis, use italics (not quotation marks,
bold, etc.).
5)
Double-space.
6)
Align the text flush left.
The basic organization of an APA-style paper includes the
title page, abstract, body, and reference section, though students are
encouraged to follow any specific directions given in their Overview
assignment.
The title page includes four elements that should be
centered in the middle of the page: title, author byline, institutional affiliation
followed by the course prefix and number (e.g., Grand Canyon University: PSY
351), and date of submission. Please note that even though APA does not require
the date on a title page, it is a requirement for GCU papers.
Being the first page, the title page is where to set up your
page header, which includes the running head and the page number. The running
head—an abbreviated title that is a maximum of 50 characters—should appear
flush left in all uppercase letters in the header on all pages. Page numbers
should be in the header, flush right.
To format your running head and page numbers in Microsoft
Word 2010, click InsertàHeader àBlank. In the header box that shows up, type Running
head: ABBREVIATED TITLE HERE. After the title, tab over till the cursor is at
the right margin, highlight the space, and click InsertàPage Number and select
Current PositionàPlain
Number.
The abstract covers the main points of the paper and is not
always required in a GCU writing assignment. Read the assignment instructions
carefully to determine whether the assignment requires an abstract or not.
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