Technology
Purchasing or Relinquishing an External Domain Name
Last modified 4/22/2026
More Information
For all information on University domain policy, please review the official policy at Illinois State University Policy 9.5.1
For its primary web identity, Illinois State has registered the following names: ilstu.edu, ilstu.com, ilstu.net, ilstu.org, illinoisstate.edu, illinoisstate.net, and illinoisstate.org.
Illinois State’s Domain Name Server (DNS) table matches Internet Protocol numbers (IP #s) with website addresses (URLs). The DNS resolves names and network addresses to destinations on and off campus. The Telecommunications and Networking teams are responsible for implementing and maintaining the DNS for all systems connected to the campus network. All top level university websites have a unique DNS entry (see current zone list). Generally, domain names are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A typical DNS entry’s URL looks like this: "www.zone.ilstu.edu". The zone is a predefined three-letter acronym (i.e., coe, cob, art, etc.). Within a predefined zone, an acronym may be used in place of the www.
To register domain names, a technology representative must submit the request(s), and in some cases, a department dean or unit director must provide a rationale for the new name.
Non-Illinois State University (External) Web Addresses
In rare cases, Illinois State groups may purchase external DNS names with the assistance of the Telecommunications and Networking teams. The Telecommunications and Networking teams register and administer all external web addresses that point to an Illinois State IP address. Contact the Telecommunications and Networking teams before attempting to register a name with an Internet Domain Registrar, as transferring ownership is difficult and time-consuming. All non-Telecommunications and Networking registered domain names will be blocked.
Requests for external web addresses must be approved by the Associate Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, and the Vice Presidents, as outlined in the University policies.
Placing a Request to Purchase or Relinquish an External Domain Name
- Log in to the ServiceNow Support Portal via Central Login.
- For more information about Central Login at ISU, please refer to: Central Login
- Under Categories, select Data Center and Network > Add or Change a DNS Entry.
- Fill out the form with the relevant information and click Submit.
Your request has been submitted.
How to Get Help
Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:
- Phone: (309) 438-4357
- Email: SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu
- Submit a Request via Web Form: Get IT Help Form
- Live Chat: IT Help Live Chat
Feedback
To suggest an update to this article, ISU students, faculty, and staff should submit an Update Knowledge/Help Article request and all others should use the Get IT Help form.