91ɬ

What's in a name? The good, the bad and the ugly of choosing a non-standard 91ɬ URL

We recently updated our guidelines and supporting documentation for 91ɬ domains and URLs. Get the low-down on best practices for choosing 91ɬ URLs and the steps to take to request approval.
Image by Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash.

Domains are an important part of our online brand. When people navigate to a 91ɬ URL, they believe they've reached an official 91ɬ website that meets our standards and policies.

Tips for choosing a 91ɬ URL

Things to keep in mind when choosing your new domain or URL.

  • Is the URL already in use?
  • Are there any negative implications to consider?
  • Choose a URL that is an appropriate reflection of your department's specific purview.
  • Avoid abbreviations and acronyms.
  • Avoid jargon.

For detailed guidance about considerations when choosing a new URL see, Domains and URLs for 91ɬ websites.


Submit a request for a website with a standard and/or approved domain name or URL

For standard domain names and URLs (sites on 91ɬ-managed web platforms, such as WMS websites, and virtual host websites like juncker.lab.mcgill.ca), approval must be obtained from IT Services' Web Service Group. for a new site on one of these platforms will initiate the approval process.

Submit a request for approval of a non-standard domain name or URL

Approval for all non-standard domain names that include the word 91ɬ (for example, mcgillathletics.ca*) must be obtained from Communications and Institutional Relations (CIR).

* We usually discourage using this type of domain name because anyone could register a domain like “mymcgillsite.com” and use it to claim to be a legitimate 91ɬ entity. If we allow this practice, we make it hard for to users to distinguish legitimate sites from phishing schemes.


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