Technology

Purchasing or Relinquishing an External Domain Name

Last modified 4/26/2024

More Information

For all information on University domain policy, please review the official policy at https://policy.illinoisstate.edu/technology/9-5-1.shtml


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 is required to make the request(s) and in some cases, a department dean or unit director must provide a rational 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 number. Contact the Telecommunications and Networking teams prior to attempting to register a name with an Internet Domain Registrar, since 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

  1. Navigate to https://ITHelp.IllinoisState.edu/ and click the Login button.
  2. Sign in with your ULID and password.
  3. Click Make a Request.
  4. Under Make a Request click Network.
  5. Under Network click IT Consultation.
  6. Fill out the form below with your External Domain Name request.

  7. Once the form has been completed, click the Save button in the upper right.

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at: