Requesting a Domain Name

Background and Rationale
Every device connected to the network is identified by a network address. The domain name system provides the references between a name, such as SLU.edu, and its network address. This registration of names within the SLU-registered network is managed by Saint Louis University Information Technology Services after approval by University marketing and communications.

A clear process for name registration, responsibilities and guidelines makes for a manageable network environment, a consistent University image and mitigation of risks.
There are risks inherent in registration of names without proper coordination. Unauthorized names may be detrimental to the University image and marketing efforts, may represent a liability and may cause inefficiencies in managing the infrastructure. Names represent an image of the University to the public, so they should be used carefully and with coordination among the several efforts. Names that associate the University with a for-profit enterprise may threaten the University's non-profit status.

Registration Process
There are two types of registrations: an Internet-registered Top-Level Domain, and a Sub-Domain, which is internal to SLU. All requests for names, both Top-Level Domain and Sub-Domain, must be reviewed by the University marketing and communications department before implementation, and all changes to names must be coordinated with ITS.

A Top-Level Domain, such as SLU.edu, CNN.com, or amazon.com, is registered through Internet services that establish these names to users of the Internet. The registration for Top-Level Domain names is subject to various rules including trademark and dispute resolution.

A Sub-Domain is a name within a Top-Level domain, such as eas.slu.edu and law.slu.edu. This registration is performed by ITS. In order to start the process of requesting a new or changed Sub-Domain name, the following qualifications must be met:

• The requestor must be an authorized representative of a University-recognized organization.
• The request should indicate whether the name is permanent or temporary. Temporary registrations should indicate the duration of the registration so that temporary names are removed after their purpose has been served.
• The request should indicate an estimate of the size of the site (for Web servers).

Generally, a Sub-Domain of SLU is preferable to a new Top-Level domain.

Requests for a Sub-Domain or a Top-Level Domain may be submitted to the ITS Customer Service Center, at 977-4000. ITS will then track the request through the review by University marketing and communicaions.

Unregistered Names
In the event that an unapproved name is registered for a server or service that is within the University network, the action is considered to be a violation of University policy. The marketing and communications department or ITS may attempt to contact the responsible individual in order to direct him or her to the approval process and/or have him or her remove the registration. Depending on the circumstances, ITS may remove the host from the network.