Memos and Other Non‐Citation Formats

It can be confusing for students when a professor ask for memos or provide for fixed formats that do not call for citations. Perhaps the professor specifically excludes citations. Here are some simple guides:

1. If the instructor does not say, assume citations are required.
2. If citations are excluded, ask whether a bibliography is expected.
3. If a bibliography is excluded, ask whether there is to be any documentation at all as to the source of material.
4. Write down the guidance and follow it to the letter.
5. Avoid direct quotations where there is no citation and especially where there is no documentation of source material. If using direct quotation in this context, provide attribution in the text.
   

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