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Domain names

A domain name is the top level web address for your site.

In the case of the University's corporate website, for instance, the domain name is "usyd.edu.au".

We would also include in our definition the secondary element of the web address where that is the home page for your website. By this we mean "dpm" in www.usyd.edu.au/dpm, or "library" in "library.usyd.edu.au"

Domain names are maintained by ICT. All requests for new Domain names are authorised by DPM.

Guidelines

The University is currently finalising a formal Domain Name policy. This will be promoted on this page as soon as it is available.

In the meantime, here are some things to consider:

  • Folders (eg "usyd.edu.au/arts") are preferred to subdomains (eg "arts.usyd.edu.au").
  • The University does not support acronyms; as much as possible, full words will be used for all domains and URLs (eg http://www.usyd.edu.au/digital_print_media/); exceptions to this rule will be made where the acronym itself has a strong presence in the marketplace and would sensibly be used by the relevant audience (eg IELTS, CET).
  • Where appropriate the domain name with the acronym can be implemented as an alias to the full URL (eg www.usyd.edu.au/dpm); stop words will be removed (eg "the", "and").
  • The University recommends the use of underscores to separate key words in domain names (eg www.usyd.edu.au/digital_print_media); dashes can also be used.
  • The University will not support domains outside of the usyd.edu.au domain without the express permission of the Executive Director, External Relations or delegated authority; the ICT team will not purchase, host or manage other domains without this permission in writing. Permission may be granted in the instances of specific promotions or collaborative endeavours.
  • The Digital and Print Media team will be the arbiters of all new domain names; their remit is to assess the appropriateness of new names from a business perspective (to ensure that they are on brand, SEO friendly, appropriate, and do not conflict with other University units or interests); disputes in this area will be referred to and decided upon by the Executive Director, External Relations or delegated authority.
  • Where a domain name is changed there will be a change management plan in place for the top level domain and all dependent domains that will include some or all of: aliases, 301 redirects and custom 404s.
  • The University is undergoing a brand review project; it is likely that this will clarify the University's top level domain, and have implications for all domains that come off it.

For more information please contact the Web Editor.