SCHAC code

As described in the EWP specification, one of the fundamental features required of the EWP Network is the ability to uniquely identify individual higher education institutions (HEIs).

From the beginning, SCHAC codes were chosen for this purpose. SCHAC code (SCHema for ACademia) is derived from the standard developed within the work of the TF-EMC2 group established by
the Terena organization (see https://wiki.refeds.org/display/STAN/SCHAC). It identifies HEI by Internet Domain Name registered for it. The SCHAC code has been already successfully used by other networks like eduGAIN (schacHomeOrganization).

SCHAC codes have to be stored in the systems of all partner institutions in the EWP Network. They are used in IIA approvals and as part of the European Student Identifier (ESI). It is extremely important that they do not change over time.

For that reason it is forbidden to change SCHAC code once it has been used in the network for active data exchanges.

When the institution changes a name and the domain name, it MUST continue using the old SCHAC code in the EWP Network and ensure its uniqueness.