Introduction

Domain names identify Princeton University internet resources such as websites. They are unique identifiers consisting of a series of alphanumeric words separated by periods and are organized in subordinate levels or subdomains that descend from the right to the left with each level separated by a “dot.” In the example oit.princeton.edu, “princeton” is the second-level name and “oit” is the third-level name.

The internet-wide Domain Name System (“DNS”) defines the names. The Office of Information Technology is responsible for the University’s DNS technology; however, the selection and approval of names is delegated to other units of the University.

A fair and structured approach is needed to guide the selection and approval of domain names to avoid confusion and promote consistency. Furthermore, a structured approach will help ensure that websites are in compliance with University requirements and standards for security, accessibility and content.

The purpose of this policy is to outline the rules and process for requesting and using princeton.edu domain names.

1. Policy Statement

This policy establishes requirements and processes for requesting, obtaining and selecting domain names in order to protect Princeton University’s name, brand and reputation as well as establish a fair and equitable process to ensure that the University is a responsible curator of the domain name resource. This policy applies to third-level names of the princeton.edu domain that are used for publicly viewable information accessed on the web.

2. Who Is Affected By This Policy

All University faculty, staff, and students.

3. Definitions

Alias: A second domain name that essentially points to the first domain name. For example, wws.princeton.edu is an alias of spia.princeton.edu

Domain name: A unique name that identifies an internet resource such as a website. A domain name consists of a series of alphanumeric words separated by periods; for example, www.princeton.edu

DNS: Stands for the Internet Domain Name System (“DNS”). It is the international system for naming network resources and assigns alphanumeric names (ex. www.princeton.edu) to numeric IP addresses (ex. 104.18.5.101). Domain names are registered in DNS.

HTTP Redirect: Occurs when a web browser connects to a web server which then tells the browser it should go to a different place for the requested web page. Redirects can be based on any part of the domain name.

Subdirectory: The part of the domain name that comes after the “princeton.edu.” For example, “academics” in www.princeton.edu/academics

Third-level domain: The part of the domain name that comes before “princeton.edu.” For example, “oit” in oit.princeton.edu

Fourth-level domain: A name that is added before the third-level name. For example, “name” in, name.oit.princeton.edu

4. Roles and Responsibilities

5. Policy

A. Third-level Domain Names

Third-level domain names will be granted to the following Princeton University entities:

1. academic schools, departments and programs
2. academic councils, centers and institutes
3. corporate and foundation collaborations
4. administrative units
5. enterprise services

Third-level domain requests from entities that do not fall in the above categories will be reviewed on an individual basis but will generally be denied.

The selection of a third-level domain name should be considered with the same seriousness as the naming and construction of a physical structure on campus, or the naming of an academic department or program.

Authorization to use a third-level domain name may be revoked if it conflicts with the request of a major new University unit or if the name is deemed too generic or broad for its current use, especially if it is more applicable to a larger university department or unit. Third-level domain names may also be revoked if they have not been used or if the website has not been updated for a period of three or more years.

B. Fourth-level Domain Names

Any entity who has an existing third-level domain may establish one or more fourth-level domains at the Sponsor’s authorization.

C. Subdirectories

Subdirectories of a third-level or fourth-level domain may be established at the Sponsor’s authorization.

D. Alias

Requests for aliases should follow the same procedures as requests for domain names. Aliases of a princeton.edu domain name that present the domain name as a .org, .com or other general top-level domain will be granted only in very limited circumstances.

E. HTTP Redirects

Any domain name to which a princeton.edu domain name is redirecting should adhere to University requirements and standards, including for security, accessibility and content.

6. Procedures

Requests for a third-level domain name can originate from any University faculty or staff member (the “Petitioner”) within an academic or administrative unit and must have the endorsement of a Sponsor.

Petitioners for a third-level domain name must complete and submit their request via the Request Approval for a Third-level Domain Name form which will be routed to Reviewers. The form will require acknowledgement that the domain will adhere to University requirements and standards for security, accessibility; as well as the Acceptable Use Policy.

The Petitioner will receive an email acknowledging their request and an anticipated response time of 6-10 working days.

The Reviewers will review the request in terms of intended purpose, scope and duration, and may consult with other relevant University offices before making a decision. The review process will include screening for current and potential future conflicts.

The Petitioner may appeal the decision one time by forwarding their request, along with any relevant supporting information, to the Office of Information Technology. The appeal will then be forwarded to an appeals committee consisting of one representative from the Office of Communications and one representative from the Office of Information Technology. After the committee has considered the appeal and rendered a decision, the Office of Information Technology will notify the petitioner of the decision.

7. Guidelines

A. Third-level Domain Names

Third-level domain names should clearly identify the requesting entity and avoid generic terms or acronyms that could apply to other campus entities or services. They should use a full name or an acceptable abbreviation. Below are examples of acceptable third-level domain names:

1. academic schools, departments, and program
   Examples: english.princeton.edu and chemistry.princeton.edu
    
2. academic councils, centers, and institutes
   Examples: humanities.princeton.edu and acee.princeton.edu
    
3. corporate and foundation collaborations
   Examples: ludwigcancer.princeton.edu and icorps.princeton.edu
    
4. administrative units
   Examples: communications.princeton.edu and hr.princeton.edu
    
5. enterprise services
   Central services provided to the institution that are ongoing and available to the entire University community may be assigned a third-level domain name describing the service they provide. Example: directory.princeton.edu 
   
   In limited cases more than one name may be granted. Ex. engineering.princeton.edu and seas.princeton.edu

B. Fourth-level Domain Names

In most cases websites should receive fourth-level domains within their respective (or primary funding or managing) department’s third-level domain name. This applies to research projects, events, labs, and other types of websites. Ex. javalab.chemistry.princeton.edu

If the website is co-managed or interdisciplinary, the following third level domain names are available to use. Reviewer approval is not needed for this. Sponsor approval is highly encouraged.  

• .lab.princeton.edu
• .scholar.princeton.edu
• .project.princeton.edu
• .event.princeton.edu
• .resources.princeton.edu
• .minor.princeton.edu

The fourth-level domain should be carefully considered when putting the content into a subdirectory may be more appropriate.

C. About Student Organizations

Student organizations should seek a department sponsor and use the sponsor’s third-level domain. Common sponsors are ODUS, Pace Center, Religious Life, Office of Campus Recreation, and the Graduate School. An academic department may sponsor a student group as well. Websites created before the publish date of this policy date are allowed to continue using their domain name unless it is needed for another Princeton University entity. 

8. Related Documents and Forms

• Request Approval for a Third-level Domain Name (login required)

9. Related Policies

• Copyright Policy
• Intellectual Property
• Policy on Digital Accessibility
• Trademark Policy
• Web Accessibility Guidelines
• Web, Social Media & App Requirements

10. Update Log

• December 3, 2024 - Removed research projects and recognized student organizations and agencies from section 5.A as well as from the guidelines in section 7.A. Added guidance about interdisciplinary websites to section B. Added guidance about student organizations to section C. Removed the word “technology” from “enterprise technology services” in 7.A.