/**
   * Get the prefix for the stem containing uPortal groups. If this value is non-empty, all groups
   * will be required to be prefixed with the specified stem name.
   *
   * @return the uportal stem in the registry, without trailing colon
   */
  protected static String getStemPrefix() {

    String uportalStem = GrouperClientUtils.propertiesValue(STEM_PREFIX, false);

    // make sure it ends in colon
    if (!StringUtils.isBlank(uportalStem)) {
      if (uportalStem.endsWith(":")) {
        uportalStem = uportalStem.substring(0, uportalStem.length() - 1);
      }
    }

    return uportalStem;
  }