Domain Name Registration Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide information and procedures to be followed for registering a domain name. A domain name, as with any trade name, is part of the identity of the University. It helps communicate the University’s image and reputation to the public. This policy helps govern domain name registrations to ensure domain names are used appropriately and in alignment with institutional goals.

Definition

Domain names are used to identify a business, organization, or institution on the internet. This unique identifier allows the creation of webpages, email, and other Internet-based services. Domain names are assigned at different levels which include:

• Top-level domain (TLD), which is the highest level and last segment of the name (e.g., .com, .org, .net, and .edu).
• Second-level domain (SLD), which is directly below a top-level domain (e.g., in mydomain.com, mydomain is the second-level domain of the .com TLD).
• Third-level domains, often called subdomains, which are generally used to distinguish departments, divisions, or services (e.g., in www.mydomain.com, www is the third-level domain).

The domain name assigned to McNeese State University is mcneese.edu.

Scope

This policy covers all academic and administrative units, academic and administrative staff, and University affiliates seeking to register a domain name.

Policy

The University recognizes mcneese.edu as its official domain name and, like other marks of the institution, is restricted to the University’s policies and guidelines. Registration of a domain name will require advance permission and must be approved by the Web Design Task Force.

Procedures

• Requests for top and second-level domains will undergo review by the Web Design Task Force for approval.
• Third-level domain names do not require registration and can be created and administered by the Office of Information Technology.

Inquiries/Requests

Office of Information Technology
West Annex (between the Burton Business Center and the Recreational Complex)
(337) 475-5524

Responsibilities

• The chief information technology officer approves requests for third-level domain names.
• Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the chief information technology officer and/or the president.
• Registration, billing, and communication with the domain name registrar will be handled by the Office of Information Technology.

Communication

This policy is distributed via the Administrative Advisory Council and the University Policies webpage.