FAQs about Domain Names

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about website domain names. If you have a question that is not addressed on this page, please email No Spam.

1. What is a domain name?
2. How do I get a domain name for my website?
3. Can I get any domain name I want?
4. How much does a domain name cost?
5. What is domain name "privacy", and should I purchase it?
6. Will the University host my domain name?
7. Can I forward or redirect my domain name to the Student Council Server?
8. How do I change my domain name?
9. My domain name expired, but I don't know how to get it back...
10. I can't access my domain name settings anymore, what do I do?

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the web address (i.e. URL) that you type in internet browsers such as Internet Explorer or Firefox in order to visit a particular website. Domain names usually end in .COM, .NET, .ORG, or .EDU (though there are many other domain name extensions too). Examples of domain names include http://www.google.com, http://www.virginia.edu, or http://www.atuva.net

How do I get a domain name for my website?

You can purchase domain names through companies called Domain Name Registrars. For a complete list of Domain Name Registrars, go to http://www.internic.net/alpha.html.

Can I get any domain name I want?

Once you've selected a Domain Name Registrar, you can use their website to search for an available domain name. Do not be surprised if the domain name you want for your website is already in use. Please note that the CIO Agreement strictly prohibits student organizations from using the University's name in most published formats. This includes website domain names, where inclusion of "uva" is not allowed. For instance, organizations MAY NOT use website domains such as http://www.uvaxyz.com or http://www.xyzuva.com.

How much does a domain name cost?

The cost to register a domain name is usually between $5.00 and $10.00 a year. Different companies charge different amounts and offer different included services with the registration of a name, so you should compare the values carefully before deciding.

If you do purchase a domain name, you should use your organization's email address for the account so that there is less chance your domain name will expire due to a missed or lost notification from your Domain Name Registrar. If one of your members uses his or her personal email address, then only he or she would retain the ability to control the account (even after graduation) should the password be reset or the entire domain expire.

What is domain name "privacy", and should I purchase it?

Many Domain Name Registrars offer "privacy" options which allow the purchaser of a domain name to hide his or her registration information from the WHOIS Database. Since WHOIS is a public database, anyone can access it and see the email addresses used during registration; many companies harvest these addresses for spamming and solicitation services. If your organization email account comes with sufficient spam-blocking ability then this option may not be necessary for your organization.

Will the University host my domain name?

Student organizations can request to have their domain name hosted directly by the University on the Student Council Server if the domain name is not in violation of any policies or procedures (see further FAQ answers below regarding University hosting of .COM domain names and use of "uva" within domain names).

Please note that having the University host your domain still requires your organization to purchase and renew the domain name at it's own expense through any given Domain Name Registrar. Also, having the University host the domain name requires the ability to alter your donain name's DNS settings. This option is only recommended for advanced users. Please email the ITC Hostmaster if you wish to request this service.

Can I forward or redirect my domain name to the Student Council Server?

It is possible for organizations to register .COM (or other) domain names and simply have those addressed forwarded to an address on the Student Council Server without relying on any domain hosting by the University. In other words, an organization might register http://www.xyzclub.com and have it forward or redirect to http://www.student.virginia.edu/xyzclub. You should be sure that a Domain Name Registrar offers a forwarding or redirect service before you register a domain name if you intend to make use of this feature.

How do I change my domain name?

You can't change a domain name once you purchase it. If you want a different name you must simply purchase another. Most Domain Name Registrars do offer the ability to cancel registration; contact your Domain Name Registrar for more details on this process.

My domain name expired, but I don't know how to get it back...

In most cases, when you register a domain name through a Domain Name Registrar it will belong to you or your organization for as long as you continue to pay the appropriate registration renewal fees. If at any point you do not pay to continue using the domain name, most Registrar's will revoke your ownership of it and it will no longer direct people to your website. Some Registrars will hold or freeze the domain name for short period of time and will allow you to buy it back by re-registering; just as often however once a domain's ownership expires it will be sold to another company or another individual, making it highly unlikely for you to register it for your organization again.

I can't access my domain name settings anymore, what do I do?

You will need to contact the Domain Name Registrar you purchases the domain name from. Most Registrars will have a phone number or email support address for you to contact and request account information. Please note that you may be asked to verify your identity by providing information such as the name or credit card number used to originally purchase the domain name. This is why it is important for student organization members to avoid using their person contact or credit card information when buying a domain name if at all possible. If you do not know what company you purchased your domain name from, you can look it up on the WHOIS Database.