A subdomain is a distinct section of Brown's website with its own unique web address—for example, "admission.brown.edu" serves as the subdomain for Brown University's Admission pages.
Subdomains and Websites
Requesting a subdomain is different from requesting a website: Subdomains do not automatically include University web hosting or a content management system. If you need a Brown website, please visit the Websites at Brown University page.
Subdomain Standards and Guidelines
At Brown, subdomains are intended solely for official University websites that represent the institution's programs, services, activities, or employees. These subdomains are an important part of our digital infrastructure and help maintain a unified online presence while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and regulations.
Review and Approval Process
The Office of University Communications (OUC) reviews all subdomain requests to ensure they comply with University web best practices, applicable policies and security standards.
Eligibility for Subdomain Requests
Faculty or staff members must be accountable for all subdomains. Student organizations and student employees may request subdomains only with faculty or staff sponsorship. The sponsoring faculty or staff member becomes the accountable individual for all subdomain activity, ensuring compliance with University policies and legal requirements on an going basis.
Subdomain Conventions and Formatting
Brown follows specific conventions when granting subdomains, including naming standards and structure. When submitting a request, you may be asked to adjust the format of your proposed subdomain to comply with these conventions. Our goal is to ensure consistency, clarity, and adherence to the University’s branding and web standards.
Subdomain Hosting Requirements
All subdomains must connect to a service or server the University administers or maintains. This ensures Brown's subdomain infrastructure remains secure, reliable, and compliant with University policies over time.
Request Timeline
The review and approval process typically takes a few days, though it may extend to a few weeks for more complex requests. We appreciate your patience while we ensure all subdomains meet University standards.