Request a Virtual Host (Shorter Web Address)

From Web Development

A "virtual host" allows for the replacement of a long web address with one that is shorter and more descriptive. This helps users to remember web addresses more easily.

Any administrative unit, academic department, or university service with the exception of individual student organizations may request virtual hosts on servers maintained by the Information Technology Unit (ITU). The exception is due to the large number of student organizations and their non-permanent status.

A virtual host will be created so long as the name is not in conflict with one that already exists at the University. Names are approved and assigned on a first-requested, first-assigned basis and should reflect an appropriate name. A virtual host name can be denied at the discretion of the Mason Web Team.

All virtual host names will be in the form of http://www.yourname.gmu.edu OR http://yourname.gmu.edu. The yourname part of the address can be specified by the unit or department.

Web addresses that end in ".com" or ".net" will not be hosted by ITU servers. A domain of ".org" can apply to be hosted, but the organization related to the ".org" site must purchase the rights to that name from a domain name registration company such as GoDaddy.com. Requests for hosting ".org" domains on ITU servers can be denied at the discretion of the Mason Web Team.

Apply for a Virtual Host

Send an email to webmaster@gmu.edu with the following information:

• Desired Domain Name
• Current web address (provide file path if possible)
• Name and Email of Technical Contact
• Department or Academic Unit
• Name and Email of Department Head or Sponsor

If the request is approved, the webmaster will notify the requestor when the virtual host is operational.

Note: No more than three virtual hosts per group, association, office or department will be permitted.