ALUMNI CONNECT - CPANEL MEMBERSHIP RELEASE 1.0.0
Prepared: 12 October 2026
Target: https://www.alumni.360s-projects.com

Read START-HERE.html for the complete step-by-step installation guide.

1. Create the subdomain in cPanel with a separate document root:
   public_html/alumni-connect/public
   Do not share or replace the main 360S root.

2. Upload this ZIP to public_html and extract it. Confirm public/ and app/
   are siblings under public_html/alumni-connect/.

3. Create a NEW empty MySQL/MariaDB database and a dedicated database user.
   Add the user to that database with table-creation rights for installation.

4. Copy app/config.example.php to app/config.php. Set your database
   credentials, support email and community name. Replace app_key and
   setup_key with two different random strings, at least 32 characters each.
   Optional terminal command: php tools/generate-keys.php

5. Install SSL for the exact hostname. Select PHP 8.2+ with PDO MySQL.
   Keep mail_enabled false until email has been configured and tested.

6. Open https://www.alumni.360s-projects.com/install.php
   Enter the private setup key and create your own admin account.
   No default admin credentials are supplied.

7. Delete public/install.php after setup and clear setup_key in config.php.
   Keep app_key unchanged. Normal database access needs SELECT, INSERT,
   UPDATE and DELETE after installation.

8. Test register -> pending -> approve -> sign in, suspended access,
   direct admin URL denial, recovery and private folder protection.

ADMIN USE
- Sign in, open Administration, and verify pending applicants.
- Approve or reject. Give an internal reason for rejection or suspension.
- Suspension invalidates existing sessions on the next request.
- Reopening rejected applications returns them to Pending.
- Recovery links require the admin password and expire in one hour.
  Verify identity before sharing them.

MEMBER USE
- Register your email, password and academic details.
- Wait for approval, then sign in.
- Opt into the directory from My account if you want alumni to find you.
- Emails, alumni references and application notes stay private.
- Read announcements, share posts and RSVP to events.

This package is not deployed. It uses its own database and does not share
the existing 360S accounts. The earlier design prototype remains separate.
Group chats, replies, jobs, mentoring, polls, push notifications, WhatsApp
integration and native mobile store apps are outside this release.

