Abbreviation Change for FCS

You will notice a shift in the abbreviation used for Family and Consumer Sciences. As states, schools, higher education institutions, and agencies have developed their Family and Consumer Sciences programs, they have found it convenient to refer to the program with an acronym or abbreviation. There have been two "standard" ways of abbreviating Family and Consumer Sciences that have been widely used: FCS and FACS. The field has been aware of some concerns about confusion that might arise with the two abbreviations. So, to eliminate those concerns and provide clarity and consistency for the field, we have all agreed to use FCS as the standard acronym or abbreviation for Family and Consumer Sciences. Minnesota in the past has used the FACS acronym or abbreviation. 

In many instances, you will find that using the full name spelled out as Family and Consumer Sciences provides the most clarity and we encourage, and in fact prefer, usage of the full name whenever possible. However, when it is necessary or preferable to use an acronym or abbreviation, please be sure to use the initials FCS. To provide the most clarity when referring to this field in documents, please use "Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)" the first time the field is named in the document and then to use "FCS" in following passages. Thank you for supporting this move to increase clarity and consistency.

Minnesota Department of Education