.edu Domain- Second Domain Proposal

A number of colleges and universities have expressed interest over time in registering a second .edu domain name, which would help them address a variety of marketing, branding, and operational needs. The .edu Cooperative Agreement under which EDUCAUSE administers the domain currently allows an eligible institution or organization to register only one .edu domain name. EDUCAUSE previously initiated a policy change process to get approval for a second domain name option, but we had to suspend that effort to allow for completion of other service improvements.

In consultation with our federal oversight agency, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the .edu Policy Board, EDUCAUSE has revived the policy change proposal that would enable eligible entities to register a second .edu domain name. Prior to asking the policy board to approve submission of the proposal to NTIA for its consideration, EDUCAUSE is seeking public comments to inform this possible policy change.

Please review the proposed change below and share your feedback with EDUCAUSE.

Proposed Change:

"Organizations eligible for .EDU domain name registration may register up to two .EDU domain names as long as those domains are associated with the entire organization and not just a subunit. Organizations that meet the domain's eligibility requirements, but that already hold more than one .EDU domain name (most likely as a result of the extra domain(s) being grandfathered under the relevant provisions of the .EDU Cooperative Agreement), may not request an additional .EDU domain name.

Grandfathered domain holders remain eligible to renew their domain names per the terms and conditions of the Cooperative Agreement. Grandfathered domain holders that do not meet the .EDU eligibility requirements, though, are therefore not eligible to register a second .EDU domain name. EDUCAUSE will apply the standard policies and processes for .EDU registration to applications for second .EDU domain names."

We will be accepting public comments on this proposal through 9/14/20.