A vanity alias is a short, easy-to-remember web address, e.g., research.gatech.edu, that redirects to your full site URL. Institute Communications (IC) reviews all vanity alias requests to ensure they meet Georgia Tech’s naming and brand standards.

Do this early:

Request a vanity alias during site planning. Approval is based on standards, not build status. Follow the steps below to get started.

Step 1: Identify Your Site Type

All Georgia Tech–funded or –sponsored websites must use a gatech.edu address. The format depends on your site type:

Website TypeDomain FormatNote
Official Georgia Tech websitegatech.eduThe Institute’s primary, legally registered domain.
Institute-wide or multi-unit initiatives[name].gatech.eduReserved for broad, Institute-level collaborations (e.g., neuroscience.gatech.edu) that represent Georgia Tech as a whole. Not for labs/projects, even if multi-unit.
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs/DRSOs)[name].gtorg.gatech.eduFor approved student organizations.
Other Georgia Tech websites (academic, administrative, labs, personal, etc.)[name].[unit].gatech.eduUse for all other Institute-related sites, including individual labs.

 

Step 2: Follow the Naming Standards

Your proposed name must:

  • Use short, clear, descriptive words.
  • Avoid unnecessary abbreviations/acronyms (unless officially recognized).
  • Use lowercase letters only.
  • Be unique and not easily confused with an existing site (e.g., career vs. careers).

If your name includes a Georgia Tech trademark, Licensing will review it.

Need help? Email Vanity-URLs@office365.gatech.edu.

 

Step 3: Submit Your Request (If Eligible)

Choose the form that matches your hosting:

(Log in with your GT account if prompted.)

 

Step 4: Respond to Any Follow-ups

IC may contact you for clarification. Reply promptly to keep things moving.

 

Step 5: Get a Decision

You’ll receive approval or denial within seven business days (some reviews take longer).

If approved:
  • OIT processes the request.
  • The DNS team creates the alias.
  • You or your web team add the alias to your site.
If denied:
  • IC will suggest an alternate name.
  • You can proceed with a subdomain via OIT.
  • You may appeal by submitting additional information.

What IC Looks For (At a Glance)

  • The site type matches the domain format (top-level vs subdomain).
  • The name is clear, lowercase, and non-conflicting.
  • Institute-wide scope is required for [name].gatech.edu.
  • Trademark usage is approved (when applicable).

Related Policy

These requirements support the Institute’s Brand Identity Standards Policy.

View the policy

Questions?

If you don’t yet have a campus-hosted site, or have questions about a Vanity Alias, email Vanity-URLs@office365.gatech.edu.