A vanity URL is a short, memorable URL used to redirect to a long or absolute URL.
valenciacollege.edu/short
Most browsers, email applications, operating systems, etc. will recognize the short URL and will automatically make it a hyperlink. Also, if a user types the vanity URL in a browser the web browser knows to make it a link.
However, if you want the vanity URL to be a “clickable” link (in a document, file or presentation) you must add the protocol http:// or https:// in front like this:
https://valenciacollege.edu/short
With the protocol added, the vanity or short URL will become a hyperlink which will redirect the user to the landing page or the full/long URL path:
https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/public-affairs-and-marketing/shortened-urls.php